GSA seeks to transfer Warwick Neck Lighthouse in Warwick, Rhode Island to agency or nonprofit

Source: United States General Services Administration

May 31, 2023

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a Notice of Availability for the Warwick Neck Lighthouse in Warwick, Rhode Island. 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, a 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 (DHS), 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 Warwick Neck Lighthouse is 51 feet high, capped with a cast iron lantern room, housing a modern light signal. Along with the lighthouse, the 0.8-acre property is improved with a single-family dwelling, detached garage, and a storage shed.

Warwick Neck Lighthouse was built in 1827, and the dwelling was built in 1932. The lighthouse was automated in 1985 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The lighthouse, an active aid to navigation (ATON) operated by the USCG, is powered by electricity and includes a fog signal horn. The fog signal is radio controlled and when activated by a user, it signals one blast every 15 seconds for 45 minutes and has a range of one-quarter mile.

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 (NPS) and given 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: Kevin Legare (Kevin.Legare@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.

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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