Request for Proposals to Lease Bluffs Lodge

Bluffs Lodge at milepost 241.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Laurel Springs, NC.

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Summary of Leasing Opportunity

This Request for Proposals (RFP) provides the opportunity for any interested individual or organization, hereinafter referred to as “Offeror” to submit proposals to the National Park Service (NPS, ‘Lessor’) to lease NPS property at the Blue Ridge Parkway under the following general terms and conditions.

For detailed information refer to the complete Request for Proposals Document (Attachment G)

The selected offeror (Offeror, ‘you’, ‘your’) will have exclusive negotiation rights to enter into a lease based on the attached Draft Lease (See Attachment A). Elements of your proposal may be incorporated into the Draft Lease at Lessor’s discretion.

Key Dates for this Request for Proposals

RFP Release Date	June 1, 2026
Site Tour (Exterior Only) Interior access must be prearranged by appointment after July 15.	July 15, 2026
Proposal Submittal Deadline	Sept. 30, 2026
Anticipated Date for Selection of Qualified Proposals	TBD
Anticipated Lease Effective Date	TBD

Overview of Property Offered for Lease

Bluffs Lodge, located at Milepost 241.1, opened to visitors September 1950. It is the first motor lodge constructed on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Bluffs Lodge consists of two buildings, Unit A which is approximately 3,553 square feet and Unit B which is approximately 4,400 square feet. These two buildings are set at an angle with a patio between them. The layout consists of 24 individual rooms. Each room can be accessed from the parking lot, consistent with a historic “motor court” or motel layout. The patio or paved courtyard features a stone fireplace that encourages engagement and activities amongst visitors. Steps from the courtyard lead to the lower levels of the lodge and a stone retaining wall with a parapet on the west side of the court to take advantage of views of the sunset. Rooms on the rear side of the lodge have views of the adjacent meadow, while those on the front face the single bay loop parking lot.

The location of Bluffs Lodge is depicted below as "Project Location."

Project Location

The Lease Premises under this Request for Proposals include the Lodge, the terrace, the Lodge parking area, and the lawn located on the northwest corner of the property. If your proposal requires additional facilities, please include plans and purpose for expanded facilities as part of your package.

Exterior Lease Premises

Proposed Uses

Please describe your proposed use or uses of the property and explain why such use or uses would be compatible with the preservation, protection, and visitor enjoyment of the park area.

Improvement Plan

All improvements must be in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properites. Please submit an improvement plan specifying how the applicant intends to rehabilitate and improve this historic property. The plan should comprehensively describe the proposed rehabilitation and improvements which the applicant will accomplish and outline a detailed schedule for program development, construction, completion, and opening for operation. Appropriate preliminary plans and drawings should be included in the plan. Detailed cost estimates should also be included.

Download Request for Proposals Document and Attachments

A – Draft Lease
B – Business History Information Form
C – Business Organization Information – Individual or Sole Proprietorship
D – Business Organization Information – Corporation, LLC, Partnership, or Joint Venture
E – Offeror Financial Projects (Investments and Start-Up Costs, Proforma Income Statement, Assumptions, Operating Assumptions, Cash Flow, and Recapture) in Excel
F - Historic Structures Report
G- RFP Document

Site Tour and Additional Information

The NPS will hold an exterior site tour on July 15. Interior access requests can be made following July 15.

To obtain further information regarding this Request for Proposals, please contact [e-mail].

Questions not addressed in this RFP will be collected in writing and responded to through issuance of Question & Answers (Q&A). Q&A’s along with this RFP and attachments can be found at our website, https://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm. Interested parties are required to check the website to ensure they are aware of any modifications to the RFP, additional documentation, or new Q&A’s.

History of the Bluffs Lodge and Grounds

Bluffs Lodge is part of one of the first developed areas to be designed and built along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The lodge was completed in 1950, and the pump house was completed circa 1948-1952. The entry road was completed by 1939, along with Wildcat Rocks Overlook and its parking lot and walkway. The final major addition to the site is the Robert L. Doughton Memorial Plaque, which was installed in 1953 at the start of the walkway leading from the parking lot to the overlook.

As one of the first lodges to be designed and built on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the property contributes to its historical significance. All major development took place during the first period of Blue Ridge Parkway history (1936 – 1955) and contributes to the national significance of the park unit as a National Historic Landmark (NHL).

Exterior Conditions

The Bluffs Lodge consists of two lodge structures linked by a covered walkway and is considered in poor condition. Typical exterior features include vertical wood siding, concrete shingle roof with wood gutters, wood windows and doors, stone paving, and wood decking. Needed exterior repairs will include, but are not limited to, repairs or replacement of the wood siding, windows, doors, exterior lighting, gutters, stone paving and masonry repairs on foundation, staircases, and patios. There has been no work performed on the exterior of the building since closing in 2010. Any change or alteration to the exterior of the structure must meet Secretary of the Interior’s standards and meet obligations for review and approval under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as Section 106 review requirements. Additions to footprints of existing structures or the addition of new structures may be possible within these federal guidelines.

Interior Conditions

The interior of the buildings is in fair to poor condition with no maintenance or improvements made to them since the facilities’ closing in 2010. Typical construction of the interior includes carpet flooring, plaster wall and ceilings with wood wainscot in the bedrooms. At the time of its closure in 2010, it was reported that there were areas where excessive moisture had generated unacceptable mold growth in sections of the building, requiring cleanup and remediation. All utility systems including HVAC, water, electrical and plumbing have not been in service since 2010. Needed interior repairs will include plaster wall and ceiling repairs, painting, flooring replacement, water and mold remediation and assessments/replacement of all support systems as necessary (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.). Any major reconstruction of the building or change in use of the building would trigger requirements to bring building systems up to current building code for electrical, plumbing, accessibility, fire suppression, etc. All work must meet obligations for review and approval under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as Section 106 review requirements. Additions to footprints of existing structures or the addition of new structures may be possible within these federal guidelines.

Floor Plans

Bluffs Lodge Unit A Floor Plans

Bluffs Lodge Unit B Floor Plans

Tags: blue ridge parkway, rfp, request for proposals, leasing opportunities, bluffs lodge, leasing, doughton park