June 30, 2004 – A total of 22 buildings in Christiansted and Frederiksted will be recognized for their historical significance in a ceremony on Thursday. According to a release from the Planning and Natural Resources Department, the ceremony, which was postponed three times due to inclement weather, will take place at 10 a.m. at the Fort Frederik Museum.
Rupert Pelle, chair of the St. Croix Historic Preservation Commission, said the building designations are in line with the revitalization and historic preservation efforts under way on St. Croix. The plaques affixed to them will give the buildings an elevated status, he said.
"When visitors come to the island and tour the towns, the buildings won't be just seen as 'old' buildings," Pelle said. Anyone viewing them "will see they have history."
The project has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of DPNR, the St. Croix Landmarks Society and the St. Croix Historic Preservation Commission, with federal Community Development Block Grant funding. Buildings were researched for historical significance by a team of local historians, and final decisions also relied on property owners' input, Pelle said.
For a listing of the designated buildings with brief descriptions of their historic significance, see "Historical Buildings to Be Noted with Plaques".
Historic St. Croix architecture reflects the influence of Spain, England, The Netherlands and France, the major colonizers of the island. The island retains an Old World charm that has vanished on many other Caribbean islands. The ruins of plantations and sugar mills are said to be among the most extensive in the region. The towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted have cobblestone walkways shaded by large arched galleries, and the Frederiksted waterfront is said to be among the most picturesque in the Caribbean.
The Our Town Frederiksted revitalization project is changing the face of the towns by restoring historic buildings and landscaping around historic ruins.
"One of the main missions of OTF is the preservation of the historical towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted," Alice Henry, the not-for-profit organization's executive director, said. "The placement of these plaques will allow not only the tourists but also our residents to take part in the rich heritage of St. Croix. We fully support this effort."
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