After delays caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto, preliminary rehabilitation works are under way on the exterior of the Old Administration Building on Main Street, government announced.
The work is an initial step in the full restoration that leaders have promised for the historic facility, which was already in severe disrepair when it was further damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
The current phase of the project — which is being carried out by GND Construction under a $74,800 contract — involves repairing the front-facing façade across the street from the Sir Olva Georges Plaza, according to the Deputy Governor’s Office.
These works, which are scheduled to be complete by November, will include the replacement of structural supports and all metallic features as part of remedial efforts to make the building safer for passers-by, the DGO stated.
History of problems
The historic complex was built in 1866 and has housed government agencies including the Chief Minister’s Office, the High Court Registry, the Customs Department and others.
But it already had been struggling with air-quality issues and other problems long before the 2017 storms. Since Irma, it has sat mostly empty as it steadily fell into further disrepair and created increasing hazards for passing pedestrians and motorists.
To remediate such dangers, the DGO requested funding in the 2024 budget to shore up the building’s external façade, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley told the House of Assembly during a May meeting.
A tender was then issued for the façade works, and in June Public Estate Manager Floyd Stoutt led prospective contractors on a walk-through to discuss the scope of works needed, according to the DGO.
Six contractors attended tender meetings and site visits, but only two, including GND, submitted bids, the office told the Beacon.
Leaders have promised to fully renovate the building and its annex in the future, but they have not provided a timeline or projected cost.
Work on the annex
In May, Dr. Wheatley told the HOA that renovations were planned soon to the annex, which he said will be used by the Archives and Records Management Unit to house historical archives dating back to the 19th Century.
“Moreover, repairs to the roof of the Old Administration Building will be undertaken,” the premier told the HOA on May 2. “A tender is expected to be issued shortly.”
In addition to these works, the DGO plans to work with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development to develop a proposal for the full restoration of the Old Administration Building itself, according to the premier.
‘Vital period’ of history
Last month, DGO Permanent Secretary Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome stressed the importance of the project in a press release.
“The Old Administration Building on Main Street represents a vital period in the history of the Virgin Islands and the public service, and we must do whatever is possible to maintain the integrity of these historical structures,” she said in the Aug. 29 press release.
Motorists and pedestrians are asked to exercise caution when traversing the area.
