Rehabilitation of the Oregon Caves Chateau to Address Safety Issues and Imrprove Accessitbility Public Scoping Notice

The Oregon Caves National Monument is inviting public comment on a proposal to address safety issues and improve accessibility at the Chateau. Constructed in 1934, this National Historic Landmark (NHL) hotel became a property managed by the National Park Service (NPS) in 2003. The Oregon Caves Chateau is an outstanding example of rustic architecture, a design that strives to match structures with their natural surroundings. It also is the only building within twenty miles of the Monument where food service and overnight lodging are available to the visiting public during the summer and part of the spring and fall shoulder seasons.

The building is presently equipped with both fire detection and fire suppression systems. However, coverage is limited and most means of egress do not meet current life and safety requirements. There also are limited public and private spaces that meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Additionally, most interior systems (plumbing, electrical, etc.) are original and have exceeded their service lives. The waste water system has failed in the past and caused water damage to the Chateau.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, the NPS is announcing a 30-day public scoping period to solicit public comments on this proposal. During this scoping period, the public is invited to identify any issues or concerns they might have with the proposed project so that the NPS can appropriately consider them in the preparation of the EA. In addition, the NPS invites the public to learn more about the project and provide comments at an open house from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Oregon Caves Chateau on May 12, 2012. At those times, NPS staff will collect oral and written comments. On that day as well, caves tours will be offered free of charge on a first come, first served basis from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Document Content:

Public Scoping Letter-Address Safety Issues and Improve Accessibility at Chateau   (45.6 KB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of Acrobat Reader from Adobe Systems.