Project to Rehabilitate Fort Hancock Buildings Moves Forward

Date: March 24, 2009
Contact: Brian Feeney, 718-354-4606

Barry Sullivan, General Superintendent of the Gateway National Recreation Area, today announced that the lease agreement between the National Park Service and Sandy Hook Partners, LLC is moving forward and is on schedule. According to Sullivan, “Sandy Hook Partners presented a package of information on Tuesday that details the instruments they will use to finance Phase I of their effort to rehabilitate buildings in the Fort Hancock Historic District. By delivering this package on March 24, they have met their contractual deadline to present a detailed financial package to the National Park Service.” Sullivan continued, “Our written agreement with Sandy Hook Partners calls for the National Park Service to review, analyze and verify SHP’s financial package within 90 days, a process that will include expert analysis provided by Price Waterhouse Coopers.”

Background

Sandy Hook Partners’ effort to rehabilitate and adaptively reuse 36 historic structures will build upon the current marine science, education and research programs of the park. As envisioned, their plan will provide expanded educational opportunities through New Jersey-based university partners, along with state-of the-art educational conference facilities and office space. Lodging and food services will also be established to support the enhanced activities.

Ahead of submitting their Phase I financial package, Sandy Hook Partners moved forward on the project in 2008 by restoring three important Fort Hancock structures: The Chapel, The Post Theater, and the former Headquarters building. Upon completion of the work last fall, the buildings were immediately made available for educational functions, including a high school marine science and coastal ecology seminar jointly conducted by the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, Rutgers University and the National Park Service.

Sullivan also emphasized that, “The Fort Hancock Historic District tells an important story about our nation’s history of coastal defense. As one of the best examples of early 20th century fort architecture, we must preserve this place for future generations.” He added, “When all three phases of the Fort Hancock historic leasing project are complete, at least $75 million will have been spent to preserve these buildings at no cost to taxpayers.”