Old is new again

Federal commissions on base closure will decide whether the future of Fort Monroe will be as a military installation. No matter what happens, though, it will live on in the memories of many former service men and women as a particularly delightful corner of the earth. That fact should help make the fort's nearest neighbor, the Chamberlin Hotel, successful in its newest incarnation.

The new owners' plan to turn the Chamberlin into a retirement community aimed at the military seems logical, and likely to succeed. For many of the thousands of soldiers who cycled through Fort Monroe, the base's felicitous situation beside the Chesapeake Bay, its history and, one hopes, the welcoming environment of the surrounding community make it an ideal retirement spot.

For Hamptonians and history buffs, it is good to see the venerable landmark get a new lease on life. Successive attempts to revive its long-faded glory as a hotel haven't succeeded, due to a combination of factors having to do with changing travel patterns and tastes, the changing mission of Fort Monroe and the enormous cost of renovating old buildings. A new role - one that fits with the nation's changing demographics - makes more sense than yet another run at reviving an antiquated role. Hampton has little in the way of retirement living and should welcome the newcomers, who won't add to the burden on services, particularly schools, aimed at younger folk. And given the projected rentals - from $3,000 to $4,500 a month - these new neighbors should bring plenty of disposable dollars to boost the tax coffers.

It has been a difficult job getting here, with detours for bankruptcy court, enabling state legislation and negotiations with the U.S. Army. Still more complications undoubtedly lie ahead because of the limitations on what can be done to historic buildings. But with some big pieces falling into place last week - the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the court signing off on key steps - the Chamberlin can soon begin to take on the trappings of a new and welcome role in an old and lovely spot.