The Historic Preservation Advisory Group for Fort Monroe in Hampton VA met recently to solidify it’s vision for parts of the Fort Monroe after the Army base closes in 2011.
They shared recommendations with the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority about what to do with the open space that makes up nearly half of the facility’s 570 acres.
Old Point Comfort is home to the Fort Monroe Historic National Landmark District. It is located on a barrier spit at Hampton Roads Harbor and the southern end of Chesapeake Bay where the Old Point Comfort lighthouse has been welcoming ships since 1802.
The 570 acre site includes the largest stone fort ever built by the United States. It consists of seven fronts and covers approximately 63 acres of ground and is surrounded by a water filled moat.
The Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority is the official "Local Development Authority" recognized by the Department of Defense. Fort Monroe FADA is a political subdivision of the state. FMFADA will receive the property for the Commonwealth of Virginia because it is slated for closure by the U.S. Army under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission of 2005.
At the eastern edge of Hampton, Fort Monroe in Hampton has been slated to be turned into a mix of residential, retail and office buildings. 40% of the 570 acres will remain in recreational space, making it one of the largest waterfront parks in Hampton Roads .
Fort Monroe’s closure was announced in 2005, and the Army will leave in 2011. Most of the land, which has unobstructed views of the Chesapeake Bay, will revert to the state. Notable historic properties on the site include the stone fort, the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse and The Chamberlin, a former hotel that is now an apartment complex targeted to senior citizens.
Advocates for creation of a national park at Fort Monroe to preserve the historical sites were given a nod of support from the Hampton City Council on Wednesday night. The council adopted a resolution that it was committed to continued recognition and protection of the fort’s status as a National Historic Landmark.
Other recommendations proposed for the open space was to host festivals and sporting events, have an open beach and add boat launches.
Here is a a short video showcasing the history of Fort Monroe by local historian John Quarstein
Explore the redevelopment plans for Fort Monroe here
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