Vacant Historic Buildings

I. Process for federal agency to declare a historic building "excess"

a. Historic building situated on land at property's edge that can be discarded separately (easy):

1. VAMC/NC declares building excess to needs;

2. Report property as excess to GSA; usual process of finding buyer (or retain and find an occupant to rehabilitate/preserve it);

3. Preservation compliance (Section 106) - consult with State Historic Preservation Officer and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to develop Memorandum of Agreement to ensure preservation; then

4. Property title conveys with "covenant to preserve it"

b. Historic building situated in the middle of actively used buildings:

1. VAMC/NC declares building excess to needs - requests demolition

2. Preservation compliance (Section 106) - consult with State Historic Preservation Officer and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to develop Memorandum of Agreement; VA agrees:

(a) to seek someone to remove it from site and preserve it;

(b) to seek someone with compatible use to lease and preserve it; or

(c) to photograph and document it prior to demolition

3. VA executes long term lease or demolishes building

II. Process for soliciting new occupants for historic buildings

a. Preservation compliance (Section 106) - consult with State Historic Preservation Officer and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to develop Memorandum of Agreement; VA agrees to:

1. develop partnerships with local interested parties

2. advertise for lessor in local and national publications

(a) occupant usage compatible and acceptable to facility

(b) occupant non-profit or public service, preferably for veterans

3. lessor agrees to properly rehabilitate and maintain (VA may offer free or discounted utilities)

4. VA grants low cost, long-term lease (i.e. 30 years) to make worthwhile

b. Obstacles:

1. High, up-front rehabilitation costs are too great for organizations to afford.

2. Long term leases are an exception to standard federal leasing procedures.

3. Facility managers are reluctant to welcome other outside users.

Send inquiries about this page to kathleen.schamel2@va.gov.