Structure known as Shepherd of the Sea Chapel and Community Center went to auction May 9.

As part of a national program to sell off former military real property assets, the US Navy and the US General Services Administration (GSA) are auctioning off a picturesque structure known as the Shepherd of the Sea Chapel and Community Center that’s sitting on approximately 13 acres in the southeastern Connecticut town of Groton. Groton has a long-standing history with submarines: it’s the site of the Navy’s first submarine base and the base is one of the largest in the world, the first nuclear-powered submarine was manufactured here and the town is home to a submarine library and museum, thus its nickname, the ‘Submarine Capital of the World’.

The available property presents a great opportunity to take advantage of the town’s active naval submarine base of 6,500 military personnel, 12,000 family members, and nearly 30,000 other military personnel, retirees and contractors nearby. There are a multitude of possible uses for this fantastic property which could represent a solid ROI for the property’s owner.

GSA kicked-off the online auction on May 9 to sell this property at www.RealEstateSales.gov.

The available property is located in a region that’s regarded as the ‘economic engine’ for southeastern Connecticut, home to some of the most popular and unique tourist attractions, and is strategically located between New York City and Boston.

The property consists of approximately 12.9± acres containing the 23,356 square foot structure known as the Shepherd of the Sea Chapel and a 5,421 structure known as the Community Center. The chapel is a 1960’s-built modern A-framed building which has been determined eligible for listing with the National Register of Historic Places. If the buyer chooses to pursue nomination for restoration, they could potentially receive a tax credit. The buildings contain classrooms, offices/ administrative, kitchens, multi-purpose rooms, storage area, playgrounds and nurseries.

The first open house was held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – 11am – 1pm.

Online auctions began May 9th on RealEstateSales.gov. Bidder Registration and Bid Deposits are required. For property and sales information see Invitation For Bids (IFB) at RealEstateSales.gov and contact Giselle Rubiera (617.565.5841 or giselle.rubiera@gsa.gov ).