The Ten Sleepless Nights Park, formerly known as the Peter Carl Limpricht Park. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM.
Signage was the focus of the St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee when they met on Thursday to address several applications pertaining to the Christiansted historic district, including the formal renaming of a local park and the enforcement of regulations for government and private entities.
Compliance was a central theme as the committee reviewed signage applications for properties on King Street. Shamari Haynes, deputy commissioner with the V.I. Department of Tourism, presented an application for branding at the department’s new location across from the former First Bank. Sean Kreiger, state director Krieger of the Historic Preservation Office noted that a hanging sign installed by the department measured 30 by 36 inches, exceeding the four-square-foot maximum allowed under historic district guidelines. The committee approved the application on the condition that the sign be reduced to a 24-by-24-inch dimension to bring the government entity into compliance with existing regulations. “There should be no compromise on this,” Kreiger said. “If we can’t keep the standards of the government it’s hard to ask the public to do likewise.” A second sign mounted above the doorway was found to be within acceptable parameters.
A similar application for a restaurant at 45 King Street, presented by Melvin Johnson, faced scrutiny regarding the height of the mounting hardware. Although the 24-inch round sign met size requirements, the bottom of the sign measured seven feet and nine inches from the sidewalk, falling short of the eight-foot minimum clearance required by code. The committee suggested that the applicant modify the existing bracket or shorten the hanging hardware to achieve the necessary height without altering the sign itself. The application was approved contingent on these adjustments, with the committee planning to issue a formal letter specifying the exact height requirements once verified by staff.
The committee then turned to the renaming of the park formerly known as the Peter Carl Limpricht Park to the Ten Sleepless Nights Park, as mandated by Act 9053. Renee Hansen, representing the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, outlined a multi-phase improvement plan for the site, beginning with the replacement of existing bronze plaques to reflect the new designation.
The committee approved the first phase of the park project, which includes the installation of a new narrative plaque and a rendering of the Ten Sleepless Nights musical group on the entrance pillars. While the department requested guidance on broader park improvements such as walkway repairs and stage renovations, the committee advised the agency to coordinate technical details with the State Historic Preservation Office before seeking final approval for later phases. Member Kurt Marsh Jr. noted that any original plaques removed during this process should be returned to the historic office for preservation. “It’s going to be a great improvement to have the ground – that broken up concrete – improved, because people are always tripping on that broken up concrete that’s in there,” said Ms. Burgess, who disclosed that the idea for the park renaming stemmed from a discussion between herself and an acquaintance.
The project is supported by a $25,000 legislative appropriation, though DPSR indicated it may seek additional funding for future structural enhancements to accommodate community events and ceremonies.
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