PHMC Peace Church Long Term Lease

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is soliciting proposals for a long-term lease of Peace Church, a historic 1798 church located in Hampden Township, Cumberland County. The procurement seeks interested parties to enter into either a 25-year lease for non-governmental units or a 99-year lease for municipalities and sub-governmental units, with the primary objective of preserving the property's historical significance while maintaining public access. Proposed lessees must submit a comprehensive proposal addressing the organization's structure, intended use, public access plan, operational and financial planning, and a capital investment and preservation strategy. Key deliverables include a minimum $75,000 capital investment over the lease term, with $20,000 required in the first year for ADA and public access improvements. Evaluation criteria will focus on the completeness of the proposal and its ability to meet the preservation goals outlined in the Request for Lease Proposals (RFLP). Important dates include a mandatory site visit on September 27, 2024, a deadline for questions on October 1, 2024, and the proposal submission deadline of October 15, 2024. Successful lessees must maintain the property's National Register of Historic Places listing and adhere to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

The procurement appears open to various organizations, with specific provisions for governmental and non-governmental entities. Lessees will have the ability to seek grants for which they are eligible, with PHMC offering potential letter support. The lease includes provisions for handling existing artifacts, including the Conrad Doll organ, which will require a separate artifact loan agreement. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the opportunity seems designed to encourage preservation-minded organizations to maintain this historic property. The lessee will be responsible for all operating and maintenance costs, and will need to develop a plan for public access and historical interpretation. Although a specific award value is not detailed, the requirement of a $75,000 capital investment suggests a significant financial commitment. The property offers flexibility for potential uses, provided they align with historical preservation standards, and allows for potential sublease arrangements, particularly for municipal lessees partnering with nonprofit organizations.