Instead, ground leases will be given to chosen developers, much like they are now.įort Monroe already has more than a dozen businesses and agencies leasing historic buildings, and many live in former military housing year-round. No land will be sold as part of the redevelopment proposal. President Barack Obama proclaimed a portion of Fort Monroe a National Monument in 2011 and today the destination is operated in partnership with the National Park Service. military and most recently was home to the headquarters for the U.S. During the Civil War, it earned the nickname “Freedom’s Fortress” as a place where escaped slaves could find refuge.įor more than two centuries, it was controlled by the U.S. Known as Port Comfort 1619, it is recognized as the site where the first enslaved Africans arrived in North America. “We want to make an opportunity for small businesses as well as larger companies to come to Fort Monroe,” Oder said.įort Monroe has a long storied past dating back to the 1600s. Much of the RFP lists possibilities for hospitality, residential, retail and office use. When it comes to what could go into the more than 300,000 square feet of space being offered up, Oder said the sky is the limit, as long as it is of “high-quality” and to the standards of the Secretary of the Interior for treatment of historic properties. They have limited parking and they also don’t have a lot of women’s restrooms in them,” Oder said. “They are not handicap accessible … most of them do not have elevators. He adds with use of historical tax credits, a private developer can also make necessary upgrades to the buildings at a cheaper cost. Oder said one of the goals of the RFP is to take that responsibility off the hands of the taxpayer-funded authority. “We don’t want to have them mothballed,” Oder said. That responsibility includes keeping air circulating in the building, keeping them heated and keeping utilities connected. “The Fort Monroe Authority for the past 10 years has been accepting more and more responsibility for this property,” Glenn Oder, executive director for the taxpayer-supported authority, said Monday. Contact us at for more information.RELATED: 37 North: New resort location aiming to transform Fort Monroe If you are offered a parking spot, the cost of a permit is $175 during the fall and spring semesters, and is $87.50 for summer sessions. Not included in the rates below is a $150 non-refundable refurbishing fee for each occupant of the units.ĭue to limited space, parking at The Gallery is based on a lottery system. Once you are offered a space at The Gallery, you will receive a housing contract to complete and return. Housing costs listed below include all utilities except phone/computer/cable TV. You are responsible for your linens, shower curtain, dishes, pots/pans/TV & a microwave, if desired. The units are furnished with beds, dresser, sofa, coffee table, end tables, and a dining room table & chairs. There are also larger units that contain a loft space used as a bedroom, in addition to the living/dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bath, and these units are intended to house three/four students. The majority of units (apartments) consist of a living/dining room, a kitchen, a bedroom, and bath, and are expected to hold two students.