A public hearing on July 12 could pave the way for the Government Employees Retirement System to build a hotel, along with a mixed use complex containing a conference center and entertainment center, on St. Thomas.
The proposed site for the development is 120 acres of land across from the Donoe Bypass, which runs all the way down to the Edith Williams Alternative School. GERS is the property owner and recently hired Canyon Research to conduct a market study on the best uses for the property. GERS Administrator Austin Nibbs said Thursday that the development would be an investment that could turn a good profit for the system.
GERS is proposing that 53.88 acres of land, or two parcels, in Estate Hoffman be rezoned from A-1 (agriculture) to R-3 (medium-density) to allow for the hotel, conference and entertainment center, and a senior citizen home. It is also proposed that a use variance be granted for 66.7 acres in Estate Nullyberg to allow for the construction 105 single-family residential lots, which Nibbs said will be sold to GERS members.
According to the application file, Jaredian Design Group is the architectural and engineering firm on the project and has already submitted renderings of the development for review. One of the major attractions on the site is the 240,000-square foot mixed use complex, which will include the 110,000-square foot conference and entertainment center. Outside of Puerto Rico, there is no other facility of that scale nearby, the application said.
"As a viable tourism site, the GERS property offers convenient access and visibility, close proximity to other island hotels, shopping, dining, attractions, entertainment and beaches, and has a favorable topography," according to the analysis. "The presence of a conference center will generate on-site groups and business/traveler room demand."
Soltec International, based out of Florida, conducted the cultural resources survey of the property and turned up eight significant finds, including an historical farmhouse and bridge, which the company said could provide crucial information about 19th-century vernacular architecture of the Caribbean.
"In this case, the architectural remains of the historic house are considered to have the potential of meeting criteria of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places," the survey said.
The plan for these sites is to integrate them into an open, or preserved, space within the development, which could lead to the restoration of the structures and/or a trail, or park, for residents to walk through. The application also mentions the presence of a retention pond on the site, which will also be incorporated into the open space.
Jaredian Design principal John Woods said the plans were revised after the historical survey came out and that the development could be scaled back, or even have certain components removed. For the most part, the public hearing will determine what happens next, he said.
"This, the rezoning, is the first phase of the process," Woods said. "We hope to develop these ideas a little further after that, and hope to be in a position to develop the property in the future."
The hearing will be held in the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ main conference room at the Cyril E. King Airport on July 12 at 6 p.m.
