Blueprint for Fort Monroe taking shape

By Kate Wiltrout

The Virginian-Pilot
© May 26, 2010

FORT MONROE

Fort Monroe's grocery store would be converted to a visitor center where tourists will be encouraged to park their cars, then take a walk - or ride a bike - to explore the bayfront property. Shuttle buses will circulate, too, dropping visitors inside the nation's largest moated stone fort, at the beach or next to a marsh overlook.

Those are some of the plans presented Tuesday at this historic Army post, which becomes state property in September 2011.

The fate of the 570-acre site at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay has been discussed and argued over since the government announced the base's closure in 2005. Now, after years of preliminary planning, focus groups and town hall meetings, the state-appointed authority overseeing the transition has a blueprint for how it will handle an expected 250,000 visitors annually.

Developed by a Pennsylvania-based firm called Interpretive Solutions, the "draft interpretive master plan" revolves around six core themes: the natural environment, Virginia Indians, the African American experience, the Civil War, defense of the nation and Old Point Comfort resorts.

Groups interested in setting up exhibits, giving tours or offering public programs would have to file detailed plans called requests-for-proposals with the Fort Monroe Authority, which would approve those it finds suitable.

The master plan envisions four phases.

For the first three years, visitors wouldn't see much difference.

"There's a lot to do here already," said Interpretive Solutions' Ann Clausen.

Without too much construction or investment, environmental groups could use an existing building near Mill Creek to hold classes on aquatic life or wetlands restoration, for example. The Casemate Museum, inside the fort, is expected to remain open to tell the story of the military's long presence here. Part of the beach might be set aside for surf-fishing. There could be walking tours offered by a partner organization.

A visitors center with basic amenities would open in early 2012, occupying what's currently the post exchange.

Three to five years out, the plan envisions Old Quarters No. 1, where the fort's commanding general used to live, and where Abraham Lincoln helped plan the invasion of Norfolk in May 1862, opening as a museum. The visitors center would also expand to hold more exhibits.

Five to 10 years after the Army leaves, potential partner organizations such as the Hampton History Museum and the Museum of the Confederacy might consider opening satellite exhibits in historic buildings.

Partnership is one of the interpretive plan's key concepts.

A new nonprofit organization related to but separate from the authority - Old Point Comfort Foundation - would handle fundraising and produce exhibits for the visitors center. One of its key roles will also be working with partner organizations.

The authority will serve as landlord, managing tenants and concessionaires.

One of the most-hoped-for partners is the National Park Service.

Bill Armbruster, executive director of the authority, is optimistic the park service will designate Fort Monroe as a unit.

Just this week, he said, a letter signed by three Virginia U.S. representatives and its two senators was sent to the park service requesting its help to draft legislation that would make the fort part of the system.

Whatever happens, visitors to Fort Monroe can expect to pay for parking. Armbruster said details haven't been worked out, but the authority will need income and would rather charge for parking than admission.

Kate Wiltrout, (757) 446-2629, kate.wiltrout@pilotonline.com