Views across parts of the historic town of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
The St. Thomas-St. John District Committee of the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission held its monthly meeting on February 13th, during which a variety of restoration and renovation projects were reviewed and approved.
The committee heard and endorsed plans to repaint the exterior of BurgerMaxx on Krondprindsense Gade in approved colors . The committee discussed options for replacing faded yellow portions and approved a shade of blue for possible handrail portions. A request from the Department of Tourism to erect Carnival signage along the Charlotte Amalie waterfront was similarly unanimously approved.
Meanwhile, Camille Kean sought guidance on renovations to a historic home on Garden Street, including relocating the electric meter. She also shared plans to replace an upper balcony that had been destroyed in the 2016 hurricanes. “I think it’s a nice balance for the building,” commented Sean Krigger, acting deputy director of the State Historic Preservation Office, who said the proposed design “falls in line with similar porches in the neighborhood.” The committee approved the requested change to the meter, as well as adjustments to the building’s retaining wall and associated columns.
Representatives from the Moravian Church were back before the committee to discuss ongoing repairs to the church manse roof and windows following Hurricane Irma. The committee approved updated dormer and shutter designs respecting the building's history.
Committee members evinced excitement about the proposal from Akil Lewis to renovate a property on Fireburn Hill to include improved security and add an apartment below the street-level parking structure. Several members congratulated Mr. Lewis on the acquisition of the historical property. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful example of our local architecture,” remarked Enrique Rodriguez. The committee ultimately approved the design concept of the renovation work, and invited Mr. Lewis to return for approval of specific construction elements when architectural details have been further fleshed out.
Finally, Erica Kellerhals briefed the committee on plans to restore the former Cable Office building in Charlotte Amalie as a commercial property. With no application before it at this time, the committee looked forward to reviewing interior schematics and providing feedback on preserving historic features during its next meeting.
After all other business had been dealt with, committee members discussed a recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning, during which legislation sponsored by Senator Kenneth Gittens was presented and ultimately held for tweaking. The legislation aims to loosen perceived restrictions associated with property developments within the territory’s historic downtown districts, an objective HPC members believe does not address the real issues at hand.
“The bill does zero to actually address the real problem of the derelict abandoned properties,” said committee member Kurt Marsh. “And it talks to rules and regs that are already in the code.”
Mr. Marsh suggested that legislators address their energy to support the work of entities like the SHPO, which reportedly runs a program which underwrites the cost of certain construction elements on behalf of property owners. “What they should do is try harder to find real sources of funding…where things like that can continue,” he declared. Although reportedly invited, neither Mr. Gittens nor a member of his staff was present at this week’s HPC meeting.
“Five items presented this afternoon, five items approved,” said STT/STJ HPC Chair Akil Petersen shortly before the meeting adjourned, while another member wished that Sen. Gittens was present to witness the discussion.
Advertisements
