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Fort Christian Getting Long-Needed Attention

The front view of Fort Christian's north side. (Photo James Gardner)At long, long, last (after several bumps and starts, both legal and political), Fort Christian, the island’s historical jewel, is getting a modicum of attention, with a little help from its friends, public and private.

The actual renovation of the fort—started in 2005—is still in litigation. Meantime, last week the first step in doing what can be done, while the main work is halted, was completed in 36 hours.

The grande dame’s front skirt, the decomposing red plywood wall on the southern side of the structure, was removed by a Department of Public Works crew, revealing that side of the building.

Lorna Thomas, director of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Office, (VISHPO) said Monday, "We have demolished the fence, and we are cleaning up, making sure the grounds are neat and tidy. We have also secured the breaches where any potential intruders might enter."

Backing up the efforts of the two government entities is the St. Thomas Historical Trust task force, headed by Trust member Steve Bornn.

Speaking Monday, Bornn sought to make clear that the group’s role is strictly supportive. "Our job since January has been not to make political or legal waves. It’s a collaborative process to help get the fort open, which is what everybody wants."

While the major renovation is held up in the courts, there are things, Bornn said, which can help get the structure to where it can once again be visited by the public.

Bornn is passionate about the old structure, having tracked its history since he was a newspaper reporter when the building still housed the jail and police station. The task force’s current mission is dubbed "Free Fort Christian."

Fort Christian's south side, sans fencing. (Photo James Gardner)The task force in March removed the absurdly outdated project sign announcing the fort would reopen in 2006. At that time, after members were given a tour by VISHPO, Bornn said the fort was really in pretty good condition.

To Bornn, and to most of the community, the fort is a thing of lasting history and beauty. "It looks its age," he said Monday. "It’s extremely picturesque and photogenic."

While the major renovation is held up in court, there’s lots that can be done for the royal lady’s beautification. Bornn said, "The work done last week in just 36 hours—including removing the fence, which was becoming downright dangerous—and shoring up the breaches was amazing."

He said, "In fact, as we speak the DPW crews are working on shoring up the east side of the fort, and the north side fence is going to be taken down shortly."

Bornn said his goal is "to make the fort ‘touchy-feely.’ Visitors should be able to go up and touch and feel this piece of history, to take pictures of it."

Coming up, he said, are beautifying and cleaning efforts inside the structure to let people take a peek inside to look at the work in progress while it is being restored. "That’s what San Juan did when they restored Fort El Morro," Bornn said. “This is something we can do."

And it can’t happen without a little help from friends. "Our supportive role in helping the government agencies, depends on another aspect," Bornn said. "Local involvement, philanthropy.”

Bornn was quick to note help from MSI Building Supplies, Frank’s Lock and Key, and the Sea Chest, which all donated materials.

“It’s community spirit," Bornn said.

Bornn said when the fence came down Friday, "Everybody jumped with joy."

The renovation of the about 331-year-old fort began in May 2005, after more than a decade of bureaucratic wrangling, with much fanfare and an estimate of a year’s work.

The work has been stalled by delays, some unforeseen, such as the discovery of skeletal remains buried in the walls of the Lutheran church once on the site. This was followed a few months later by contract disputes on a lead-abatement contract.

Finally, in June 2007, the work began again with a new focus brought about by $2 million in additional funding from the Public Finance Authority.

Initially, the work was designated as a "conservation and stabilization" project because the government couldn’t afford the work entailed in a restoration process. The Federal Housing Administration originally provided a $1.2 million grant.

Finally, this February the matter wound up in court with the contractor, Tip Top Construction, suing the government for $2 million-plus for uncompensated work, which is where it now stands. The government denies the charges.

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