Press Release
January 30, 2012
Peter Brancato
Dan Keefe
518-486-1868
Proposals Sought for Reuse of Historic DeVeaux Woods Dormitory
Schoellkopf Hall could serve as hotel, spa, conference center, corporate offices or educational facilities
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from potential partners for the adaptive reuse of the historic Schoellkopf Hall in DeVeaux State Park in Niagara Falls. Acceptable uses for the 21,000 square-foot-structure may include a hotel or other guest lodging; a day spa or retreat, convention center and catering facility; corporate offices; research facilities; or education facilities.
"Schoellkopf Hall is a fabulous building, and the best way to preserve this historic structure is to find a new use that is compatible with the park setting," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "A public-private partnership has great potential to bring new life to the building, and, in turn, help enhance the park."
State Parks is prepared to offer up to a 40-year license for the use of Schoellkopf Hall, which contains 48 rooms and features carved stonework throughout the interior, including stairs and fireplaces. The RFP asks potential partners to describe how they would use the building and propose license fees to be paid to State Parks. The partner would be responsible for all costs to rehabilitate the building.
Schoellkopf Hall was once part of DeVeaux College for Orphans and Destitute Children, which operated at the site for over a century. Built in 1926, the building is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Licensees of income producing real properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be eligible for state and federal income tax credit for the substantial rehabilitation of historic properties.
For questions or to request a copy of the RFP, contact Harold H. Hagemann, Jr., Concessions Management Bureau, New York State Parks, One Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12238. Email: Harold.Hagemann@parks.ny.gov. Proposals are due March 2, 2012.For more information on New York State Parks, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.