Cook Hall - Harpers Ferry National Historical Park - Request for Expressions of Interest

Cook Hall NPS / Claire Hassler

Summary of Request for Expressions of Interest

The National Park Service (NPS) announces a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) seeking responses from individuals, educational institutions, governmental and quasi-governmental agencies or entities, and non-profit or for-profit organizations for use of the facility and associated lands located at 252 McDowell Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 known as the Cook Hall.

This RFEI is not intended as a formal offering for the award of legal authorization. Participants should not assume they will receive any preference in connection with any future solicitation should they choose to submit materials in response to this RFEI. The NPS reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withdraw or discontinue the RFEI in whole or in part; use the ideas or materials submitted in response to this RFEI in any manner deemed to be in the best interests of the NPS, including, but not limited to, the undertaking of the prescribed work in a manner other than that which is set forth herein. The NPS likewise reserves the right, at any time, to change any components, concepts or approaches of the RFEI.

Key Dates for RFEI

RFEI Release Date: May 1, 2026

Site Tours: May and June, 2026, RSVP (see below)

Submittal Deadline: August 30, 2026

Overview of Property

The Cook Hall Building is a historic structure and has 9,970 square feet. It was constructed in 1939-1940 as a dormitory for Storer College.

The complex includes two parking lots, one at the South side proximate to the building, 6 spaces, and another, at the rear of Shipley School, with approximately 20 spaces. Cook Hall has 30 rooms, a kitchen, storage space, laundry room, two meeting rooms and office space.

Location Information

Note you may toggle between map view ("standard") and satellite view ("imagery") using the dropdown menu in the upper right corner of the map.

The map shows the location of Cook Hall at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. The two yellow-outlined boxes show the premises at the bottom and the remote parking lot, upper left, behind Shipley School.

Potential Uses and Services

• Hostel / Hotel
• Office Space
• Services, Activities, and Associated Retail
• Educational Activities
• Environmental Activities
• Training Center
• Uses not in conflict with the park's programs and purposes

Responses to this request may identify use of the building or contemplate the reuse of the building and grounds available under this RFEI. Concepts that appeal to a wide spectrum of visitors to the Park – as well as other uses that might be made available for seasonal or year-round occupancy – are encouraged.

Uses of federal land must be authorized by law and comply with the law under which the use is authorized. Uses of federal land under NPS management must meet certain criteria. For Cook Hall this means that the use must:

• Not degrade or unduly impair the park’s resources and values.
• Be compatible with the programs of the NPS.
• Be consistent with the purposes established by law for the park area in which it is located.
• Ensure the preservation of any historic property involved with the proposed use.

Facility Condition, Equipment, and Overview of Obligations

Major systems associated with this facility need upgrading and modernization by any future Lessee. Please consult the Park for details on the condition and recommendations that are needed for the facility.

Any future Lessee will be required to maintain all areas of the building and the site and grounds. Maintenance obligations would include cyclic, routine, and preventative maintenance, component renewal/replacement, and upkeep of any proposed renovations and alternations.

Download Request for Expressions of Interest Documents

• Requests for Expressions of Interest for Cook Hall
• Cook Hall Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)

Where this belongs

• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

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