The GSA’s invitation to the City to submit an application to acquire the property through the Historic Surplus Property Program is the culmination of the City’s efforts which began in 2004.

Last fall the GSA determined that its tenants’ space needs could be better fulfilled by renting space in the Portsmouth area, and that its long term future will not be served by remaining in place at the 107,000 s.f. McIntyre building.   Subsequently, the GSA began the disposition process to transfer ownership of the property.  This process, determined by federal regulations, involves offering the property to public entities before offering it for sale on the private market.  The City responded with a letter of interest in January, and the GSA invited the City to submit an application through the Historic Property Surplus Program to obtain the property.  The guidelines to this program allows the City to acquire the site at no cost, provided that the historic character of the property be preserved, and directs that any income-producing activity on the site be allowed to return a “reasonable profit,” but that all excess proceeds be returned to the City for historic preservation, open space, and recreational uses.