Source: United States General Services Administration
May 30, 2023
BOSTON – Today, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a Notice of Availability for the Plymouth Lighthouse, more commonly known as Gurnet Lighthouse, in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The historic lighthouse is available at no cost to eligible entities as part of a federal disposal program authorized by the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act (NHLPA) of 2000. This is one of a record number of lighthouses being offered in 2023 to government agencies, nonprofits, and the public via auction.
Under the NHLPA, an historic lighthouse that is no longer needed by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is made available at no cost to eligible entities defined as:
- Federal agencies
- State and local agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Educational agencies or community development organizations for educational purposes
- Park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes
Each year, GSA, in conjunction with the USCG, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Park Service (NPS), issues Notices of Availability for historic light stations as part of the NHLPA. Under the NHLPA, the property may be obtained for educational, park, recreational, cultural, or historic preservation purposes.
The lighthouse was originally built in 1768. It burned down and was replaced with a pair of lights in 1801. The lights were reconstructed again in 1842. The current white octagonal wooden lighthouse is 34 feet high, capped with a standard cast iron lantern room, housing a modern beacon. Gurnet Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
In addition to the lighthouse, the 7.8-acre property includes a single-story ranch style house with a basement, garage, solar system and a storage shed.
The lighthouse is an active aid to navigation (ATON) operated by the USCG powered by electricity and includes a fog signal horn. The fog signal is a Mariner Radio Activated Sound Signal and can be activated remotely by mariners if needed.
The property is accessible only by AWD or 4-wheel drive vehicles, taking Gurnet Road (part of Duxbury Beach) leading to the Property or by boat.
For complete details on the property, including conditions, range of possible uses, commercial activities, utilities, etc., eligible entities can review the Notice of Availability.
Any eligible entity with an interest in acquiring the property for a use consistent with the purposes stated above should submit a letter of interest to the address below within 60 (sixty) days from the date of this notice.
Letters of interest should include:
- Name of property
- Name of eligible entity
- Point of contact, title, address, phone and email
- Non-profit agencies must provide a copy of their state-certified articles of incorporation before the end of the 60-day notice period.
Eligible entities that submit a letter of interest will be sent an application from the National Park Service and provided an opportunity to inspect the property. Building inspectors and/or contractors may accompany the applicant on the inspection. The application is due within 90 days from the date of the site inspection.
NPS will review all applications and may recommend one applicant to receive the Property. If a recommendation is made, GSA will complete the conveyance to the selected entity with a Quitclaim Deed. Pursuant to Section 305106 of the NHLPA, the Property will be sold if it is not transferred to a public body or non-profit organization.
Letters of interest should be directed to:
U.S. General Services Administration
Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division
10 Causeway Street – 11th Floor
Boston, MA 02222
Attention: Anthony Barbati (Anthony.Barbati@gsa.gov)
GSA’s New England Region Real Property Utilization and Disposal Division provides realty services to federal agencies throughout the region, as well as in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
About GSA:
GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the Federal Government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of Federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.