NEW DETAILS: Wright-Patt takes next step in developing 46 acres

Developers, take heed: Ohio’s largest single-site employer is looking for collaborators in developing Air Force land.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center and 88th Air Base Wing will host the first “virtual industry exchange” Jan. 21 to explore possible mixed-use commercial development at the base, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center said this week.

The virtual exchange forum opens the door to the Air Force’s Enhanced Use Lease program, which in turns opens the door to possible development.

Gerlaugh Farm, as Wright-Patterson leaders call it, is one of two parcels the base has announced could be open to extended use leases or EULs. Such leases open federal property to investors or users for possible leasing and development. Those investors pay fair market rent or in-kind considerations to use what could be prime commercial sites.

Besides Gerlaugh Farm in Beavercreek, the second tract of base land to be made open to EUL exploration is what the base called “the Area B Hilltop Tract, which covers 23.92 acres.

Enhanced Use Lease projects can include hotels, business parks, solar arrays, sports complexes, energy and commercial mixed-use developments.

“The Air Force is specifically interested in determining the viability of leasing all, or a portion of, the available parcels for the purpose of financing, permitting, developing, constructing, installing, owning, maintaining and operating commercial buildings,” the Air Force Civil Engineer Center said.

The forum will focus on two tracts:

Parcel 1 Gerlaugh Farm Tract: 23.07 acres, 22.3 of those which are developable. This parcel is located outside the base perimeter fence.

Parcel 2 Area B Hilltop Tract: 23.92 acres. This parcel is inside the secure base boundary perimeter fence. However, that fence may be relocated, allowing Parcel 2 to be outside the fence, base officials have said.

The Air Force has released a draft Request for Lease Proposal on https://beta.sam.gov/. The draft RFLP closes Jan. 29.

To register, search “WPAFB Virtual EUL Industry Exchange” on BigMarker.

For questions regarding industry exchange or registration, send an email to WPAFB.EUL@SpecProSvcs.com.

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