Cutline: An unsightly chain link fence lines a narrow path available for visitors to gain access to the Point at the site of the former Hill Top Hotel. 

HARPERS FERRY — The Harpers Ferry Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) has formally asked the West Virginia Department of Commerce and Division of Economic Development to address what it describes as the deteriorating condition of the former Hill Top House property and the lack of progress on a long-promised hotel development project.

In a June 18 letter addressed to Meghan E. Smith, of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, the commission outlined concerns about the Hill Top House Hotel Tourism District, a state-created development district established to facilitate redevelopment of the historic site.

The HLC argues that the tourism district has failed to deliver on promises made when it was established and that the property’s condition is negatively affecting the historic character of Harpers Ferry.

“The HLC expresses concerns about the material loss of historic character within the Harpers Ferry Historic District since the creation of the Tourism District,” the letter states.

The tourism district was created under state law and removed much of the Town of Harpers Ferry’s regulatory authority over the multiparcel area that includes the former Hill Top House Hotel site. According to the commission, the district was established after property owner SWaN Hill Top House Hotel, LLC proposed a $140 million redevelopment project that included construction of a 110-room hotel and restoration of seven historic structures.

The commission noted that a 2019 agreement anticipated the project would be completed and operational by Nov. 1, 2023.

Instead, the HLC contends that little development has occurred. The commission said the most significant activity on the site has been the demolition of the historic Hill Top House Hotel in 2021.

“The site has fallen into an unsightly and unused mess, undermining the promised purpose of the Tourism District,” the commission wrote.

The HLC also cited concerns about the site’s impact on neighboring historic resources and what it described as deteriorating public access to the area’s iconic overlooks of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

According to the letter, the State of West Virginia promised more than $40 million in tax credits and other public incentives to support the project. The commission questioned whether the state has adequately monitored the development’s progress or enforced obligations under the tourism district agreement.

The HLC has requested written responses from the state regarding performance measures for the tourism district, the developer’s compliance with project commitments, plans to address existing conditions, development standards governing future construction and whether the state intends to continue or terminate its agreement with SWaN Hill Top House Hotel, LLC.

The commission also invited state officials to visit Harpers Ferry to discuss the matter directly.

In addition to seeking answers, the HLC filed a request under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) seeking records dating back to 2018. The request includes communications between state officials and SWaN Hill Top House Hotel, LLC, studies related to projected tax revenues from the project, legislative review materials concerning the tourism district and records related to the state’s evaluation of historic resources within the district.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Gov. Patrick Morrisey, Sen. Patricia Rucker and other officials.

The commission requested a response and timeline from the state by July 12.