Keeping buildings in the National Park System in use is one way to maintain them. At Valley Forge National Historical Park and Gateway National Recreation Area, officials hope to do just that by advertising for businesses to operate out of some historic buildings.

This 1816 house in Valley Forge National Historical Park is being offered to businesses ranging from cafes to professional offices/NPS.

At Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, officials are seeking tenants for Maurice Stephens House, located south of Route 23 across from Washington Memorial Chapel on the edge of the Grand Parade. The main portion of the house, which consists of the five- bay, two and one- half story masonry structure, was constructed in 1816. An addition on the east side of the original structure was constructed circa 1841. The Park Service envisions the building as being used as a restaurant or cafe, art center, community center, or professional offices, with a contract to run at least 10 years.

Park staff say "substantial restoration and rehabilitation" on the house is needed before it can be used as a business, and that each prospective tenant "is responsible for developing the scope of work for and cost estimate of its improvement plan."

Additionally, they note, the type of business envisioned for the building could require compliance with local regulations, something else the prospect tenant is responsible for meeting.

The initial proposal deadline is February 13 at 1 p.m. EST. Additional details on the leasing of this house can be found here.

At Gateway NRA, officials have been trying to find tenants for some of the Officer's Row houses in the Sandy Hook unit for some time. Currently, park staff are offering six of the buildings for lease.

"These buildings will give Fort Hancock a new lease on life," said Gateway Superintendent Jennifer T. Nersesian. "Adaptive reuse of these beautiful buildings will reawaken Fort Hancock as a viable, vital community that enhances this national park and invigorates the local area."

Park Service officials hope to lease out historic officer's quarters at Fort Hancock in the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway NRA/NPS

Gateway staff would like to lease two of the buildings as bed-and-breakfasts, two as residences or residence/offices, and two for not-for-profit/education organizations. 

"Restoration of these remarkable buildings will enable Fort Hancock to once again fulfill an important national mission, this time in service of a broad array of community organizations, educational institutions, visitors and residents," said Gerard Glaser, co-chairman of the Fort Hancock 21st Century Federal Advisory Committee. "Once home to a community that was dedicated to the protection of the country's largest city, Fort Hancock now promises to become a unique and vibrant community that provides opportunity for new generations of park visitors."

Bids on the quarters are being taken through April 17. You can find more details, and the requisite paperwork, at this site.