Park Service seeks leasees for Lake McDonald properties in need of repairs

The National Park Service is seeking “expressions of interest” from individuals, educational institutions, government agencies and organizations interested in preserving, re-using and maintaining one or more historical buildings on Lake McDonald via a lease with the agency.

A Tuesday news release said the structures are located on the pristine lake, which sits inside Glacier National Park near the West Glacier entrance. Buildings available for leasing include Greve’s Tourist Camp, Grisley Cabin, Fox-Henderson Cabin and Moberly House.

Glacier National Park came into possession of the properties in recent years, all of which were privately owned with the exception of Greve’s Tourist Camp - the last of several privately-owned-and-operated tourist destinations and lodging facilities that were once located in the area.

In 2018, park officials released an environmental assessment on the proposed leases. The document essentially stated the public could lease the properties so long as they agreed to rehabilitate them.

At the time, park officials told the Hungry Horse News that they viewed the long-term leases as a way to preserve the buildings and their historic character. Officials said Glacier didn't have the funds to perform the work.

Tuesday's news release notes the cabins and outbuildings are eligible for listing, or are already listed in, the National Register of Historic Places. All of the properties have been “unoccupied for some time,” will require maintenance and repairs “to varying degrees,” and are currently not open to the public.

According to the formal Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI), the Park Service will consider leases ranging from 10 to 60 years.

Leasees will be required to pay at least “fair market value rent” for the properties, as is required by National Park Service policy, though the document does not specify what that amount is. The cost of rehabilitation for occupancy, however, may be used to offset rent.

Leasees will also be responsible for repairs, rehabilitation, utility improvements, and ongoing and cyclic maintenance needs. Under each lease agreement, a preservation and maintenance plan will be developed in consultation with park staff.

The RFEI, which is available for download at beta.SAM.gov, states the park will offer the subject properties if the proposed use “contributes to the purposes and programs of the park,” meaning there are restrictions as to what can be done with the structures.

“The NPS mission includes preserving historic buildings through proper repair and maintenance. The historic leasing program allows surplus buildings to be offered for lease in return for others’ investment in the long-term preservation and use of the property,” the RFEI states. “Because the primary purpose of this leasing program is to preserve these buildings, leases must adequately ensure the preservation of these historic properties.”

Prohibited uses of the properties include gambling, adult entertainment, vacation rentals and livestock. It is the hope of the Park Service that all four properties will be used seasonally or recreationally as private, single-family residences, which is considered the “historic use” of the buildings.

Responses to the RFEI are due by June 16 at 4 p.m., and the Service will also host a formal site tour for interested parties on April 28. Officials will send tour information to those that request it within their response to the RFEI.

Reporter Kianna Gardner may be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com