Update (2026 May 21) — During its May 21 meeting, the Jefferson County Commission voted to engage the Bowles Rice law firm to develop bond documents for the Hill Top House TIF (tax increment financing) and STIF (sales tax increment financing) districts. The Commission had previously approved the special tax districts in 2023, but the state legislature did not give its approval until this spring. Responding to questioning from Commission President Pasha Majdi, County Administrator Edwina Benites-LM said that the Hill Top House project was ready to begin construction. SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, the company developing the Hill Top House Hotel project, has not yet released any official announcement about the next steps for the project.
Update (2024 Aug 1) — The Jefferson County Commission voted to approve a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Sales Tax Increment Financing (STIF) district in Harpers Ferry. The approval was executed with two motions, both of which were approved unanimously:
- Create the County Commission of Jefferson County Redevelopment District No. 1 — Hill Top House Hotel and Approving Project Plan No. 1
- Create the Hill Top House Hotel Economic Opportunity Development District
The Commissioners voting at the August 1 meeting were Steve Stolipher (president), Jane Tabb, Pasha Majdi, Kelvin Upson, and James Cook.
Update (2023 Aug 18) — Following the public hearing on August 17, the County Commission deferred action on the creation of a TIF district for the Hill Top Hotel.
The Hill Top House Hotel project is seeking a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District for its 9 acre property in Harpers Ferry. The project, now 15+ years in planning and preparation, envisions building a world-class resort, restaurant, and spa facility on the dramatic site overlooking Harpers Ferry
[Read more about the Hill Top project history]
The proposed TIF would direct the additional property taxes generated as a result of the redevelopment project to service bonds issued by the developer used to fund infrastructure related to the hotel project (including the underground parking garage). Documents provided to the County Commission indicate an estimate of the bond costs around $22 million (in the context of an estimated $146 million construction budget).
The TIF revenue to be dedicated to the project would be generated by the property taxes levied on the additional value created as a result of the project (which is currently vacant land), not to exceed a period of 30 years or repayment of the bonds, whichever happens first. The project has already been approved for a similar tax arrangement on the state sales tax generated by the activity that would happen at the hotel (that arrangement affects only the state portion of the sales taxes).
The County Commission will hold a public hearing on August 17 at 6 pm to review the TIF request.The meeting will be held in the Commission meeting room in the basement of the Charles Town Library (200 East Washington St – the meeting room entrance is on Samuel Street).
Published 2023 Jul 28. Updated 2023 Aug 18 (action deferred). Updated 2024 Aug 1 (Commission approves districts). Updated 2026 May 21 (County Commission approves preparation of bond documents).
