Leasing Historic Properties in National Parks: A Guide for Nonprofits

Jun 27, 2025
4 min read

The Powerhouse Building at Grand Canyon National Park

Did you know that nonprofits can lease historic buildings in national parks? Through a unique authority granted to the National Park Service (NPS), nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to restore, use, and occupy historic federal properties for mission-driven purposes. Here’s how it works—and how your nonprofit could benefit.

What Is Historic Leasing Authority?

Under 54 U.S.C. §30207 (formerly part of the National Historic Preservation Act), the NPS has the authority to lease historic structures located within units of the National Park System to private individuals, businesses, or organizations, including nonprofits. This program allows underused or vacant historic buildings to be preserved through adaptive reuse, while also advancing the public interest.

Importantly, these leases must ensure that the historic character of the property is preserved and protected. In exchange, lessees gain long-term access to extraordinary locations that may otherwise be off-limits to private use.

How Can Nonprofits Lease Historic Properties?

Nonprofits play a special role in historic leasing, especially when their mission aligns with preservation, education, or community service. Leasing to a nonprofit can help the NPS fulfill its own mission, which is one reason why these entities may be eligible for non-competitive, or sole-source, lease agreements in certain cases.

Here's an overview of the typical process:

1. Identify the Opportunity

National parks periodically issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for historic leasing opportunities. These are often posted on the park’s website, through the Federal Business Opportunities platform (SAM.gov), or via partner organizations. However, nonprofits may also initiate discussions directly with the park superintendent or regional leasing coordinator.

2. Proposal Submission

The nonprofit submits a proposal outlining:

Its mission and alignment with NPS goals
Proposed use of the property
Financial and operational capacity to maintain and use the site
A preservation plan consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards

3. Evaluation and Lease Negotiation

The NPS evaluates the proposal for public benefit, mission alignment, financial feasibility, and preservation compliance. If favorable, the parties enter into lease negotiations. Nonprofits may qualify for favorable terms, including below-market rent or in-kind consideration (e.g., investing in rehabilitation instead of paying cash rent).

4. Legal and Environmental Review

All leases are subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and other applicable laws. The NPS ensures compliance before finalizing the lease.

5. Execution and Oversight

Once executed, the lease is managed by the NPS, with periodic inspections to ensure compliance with preservation and use requirements.

Sole-Source Lease Opportunities for Nonprofits

The NPS may award a lease without competition if the lessee:

Is a nonprofit with a mission that supports the park or preservation of the site;
Proposes a use that provides substantial public benefit;
Offers to invest significantly in the property's restoration or maintenance.

These leases are carefully justified and documented to comply with federal requirements but can be a powerful tool for mission-aligned organizations.

Real-World Examples

Alcatraz Island: Portions of the former prison buildings have been leased to nonprofits supporting education and interpretive programming.
Fort Hancock, Gateway National Recreation Area: Nonprofits have leased officers' quarters for educational and community programs.
Fort Baker, Golden Gate National Recreation Area: This former military post overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge has been transformed into Cavallo Point—a national park lodge operated under a lease agreement with a nonprofit partner. The lease supports adaptive reuse of the historic buildings while promoting environmental education, sustainability, and public access to the site.
Fort Mason, Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Under a residential master lease with a nonprofit park partner, members of the public can rent historic homes inside the park on a long-term basis. This lease allows for residential use while ensuring historic preservation and public benefit, creating a rare opportunity to live within a national park setting.

Potential Benefits for Nonprofits

Leasing a historic property in a national park isn’t just about preservation—it can also offer tangible advantages for nonprofits committed to public service.

Here are some of the most compelling benefits:

Long-Term Leases: Historic property leases can extend up to 60 years, offering stability for long-term planning and investment.
Eligibility for Historic Tax Credits: A long-term lease may allow a nonprofit lessee to qualify for federal or state historic rehabilitation tax credits, depending on the structure of the lease and the project.
In-Park Presence: Occupying a historic structure inside a national park provides unique access to high-visibility locations and reinforces credibility with visitors, partners, and donors.
Mission Alignment: The opportunity to align your organization's mission with the values of preservation, education, and public service as championed by the NPS.
Community Engagement: Many leases encourage or require public programming, allowing nonprofits to engage directly with park visitors and the broader community.
Financial Flexibility: Nonprofits may negotiate reduced rent in exchange for capital improvements or services that support park operations and visitor experiences.

These benefits make historic leasing an appealing strategy for organizations looking to expand their impact while preserving our shared heritage.

How We Can Help

If your nonprofit is interested in leasing a historic property within a national park, we can help you navigate the process. As a former Realty Specialist with the National Park Service, I’ve worked directly on several high-profile leases, including Fort Baker, the historic Cliff House, and Louis' at Lands End in San Francisco, as well as the residential homes at Fort Mason. This firsthand experience gives me unique insight into the nuances of NPS leasing, from proposal development to compliance reviews. Our legal services are designed to support your mission while helping you make the most of these rare opportunities.

Through our Enterprise Legal Strategy Plan, you get ongoing, affordable support as you explore opportunities like this and other ways to partner with the federal government. And, as a subscriber, you'll also get access to a curated set of resources tailored for organizations pursuing commercial opportunities on federal lands.

Resources

Have questions? Reach out anytime. We’re here to help nonprofits make history—literally.

This blog is provided by attorney D.C. Burnette. It does not constitute legal advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Reading this blog or contacting me does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal services are offered exclusively through the Law Office of D.C. Burnette, PLLC, a Missouri-licensed law firm registered in the State of Tennessee. For full terms and disclosures, please visit the Terms & Conditions page.