A 1:      Legislative authority: 38 U.S.C. Section 8161 - 8169

What it does: Allows VA to obtain facilities, space, services and/or money in return for granting long-term leases (up to 75 years) of available VA property.

What’s in it for VA: Obtain facilities, equipment, or services on a reduced or no-cost basis; revenue generation; maximize use of an return on VA facilities.

What’s in it for the Developer: Access to private & VA markets; flexible leasing and financing arrangements available to meet developer’s business goals; reduced initial capital investment; ability to enter into shared service arrangements with VA.

Best projects: Office buildings, long-term care/skilled nursing homes, transitional housing, energy facilities, garages, lodging facilities, research and medical facilities, golf courses, adult & cild care centers, and ventures with other public entities

What’s needed: Available VA land, validated VA requirement, development purpose that is compatible with VA mission, "rent" to VA in terms of services, facilities, and/or cash; available VA funding if VA "buys-back" services

You should know: Projects require public hearing and Congressional notification

Who do you call: For more information, you may reach us at:

For more information, you may reach us at EUL@themetisgroup.com.

A 2:      Yes, we regularly see multiple firms partner on projects to bring forward the best team possible.

A 3:      No. It is the responsibility of the developer to put together a financial package and to submit a proposal with what they believe is their strongest team.

A 4:      No, we do not require specific equity investments by the developer. The developer is responsible for putting together the best financing package. Lenders will decide the equity requirements.

A 5:      Part of the development team should be out looking for potential tenants during the Business and Lease Plan phase of the process; however, no space leases can be signed until after the ground lease is executed.

A 6:      Audited financial statements are encouraged, but not strictly required. If audited financial statements have been prepared for your corporation or partnership, please provide them in your proposal. If audited financial statements are not available, we will accept a complete and current personal financial statement for all the officers/partners of the significant parties (including contractors, architects and other partners, if applicable) of your development team.

A 7:      Taxation is subject to local rules. In general, the Federal Government is not subject to real property tax on the underlying land; however, the leasehold and improvements to the land, such as the addition of a parking garage, may be subject to tax.

A 8:      This project is subject to all state and local zoning, permitting, and building code regulations.

A 9:      Development subsidies may be available, although it is the responsibility of the Proposer to investigate and secure available Federal, state and local subsidies.

A 10:      Yes. While VA believes there is an exciting opportunity for a private sector developer to create a viable commercial project, some uses would be considered inconsistent with the mission of VA, such as the establishment of a bar.

A 11:      There are no preferred uses for the Yeatman Property. VA is open to any creative solution or enterprise that is not inconsistent with the mission of VA.

A 12:      EUL authority allows for leases of up to 75 years, although the actual lease term varies from project to project. The term for St. Louis will be negotiated as part of the lease.