The Historic Preservation Committee voted Tuesday to continue plans to modify the Legislature’s generator enclosure near Legislative Circle while approving, with conditions, a proposal to renovate the historic Morris F. deCastro Clinic into a rehabilitation center.
The committee, which operates under the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, reviews proposed work affecting historic buildings and districts to ensure projects preserve the territory’s architectural and cultural heritage while meeting modern needs.
The first proposal, HPC-18-2026, was submitted by the V.I. Legislature and calls for reducing the footprint of the generator enclosure near the Legislature building and replacing the existing horizontal generator with a vertical model.
According to representatives for the Legislature, the existing enclosure creates a blind corner that has contributed to multiple vehicle accidents by obstructing visibility for drivers and pedestrians. The proposal would move the wall away from the sidewalk, creating additional pedestrian space and improving sight lines for motorists.
The new generator would be installed outside the renovated enclosure because it would not fit inside the existing structure. The building would instead be used for storage.
Committee members questioned whether leaving the generator outside would make it more vulnerable during hurricanes.
Kurell A. Sheridan, executive director of the V.I. Legislature, said the proposed generator would have its own protective casing and noted that the area has experienced little storm damage, with flooding typically occurring in front of the Legislature rather than where the generator would be located.
Committee members also requested updated architectural drawings showing the revised footprint before taking final action.
“We are for the changing of the footprint and these modifications. We just want you to make sure and cover your bases that this would be the best solution on the generator side,” the committee said during the meeting. “As Mr. Marsh said, we just need to see plans for the new footprint so we can put them on the record.”
The committee voted to continue consideration of the proposal pending additional architectural information.
The second proposal, HPC-19-2026, came from the V.I. Health Department and involves renovating the historic Morris F. deCastro Clinic for use as a rehabilitation center.
Aaron Green, project manager with Spring Lane Architects, said the project includes replacing windows, doors, storm shutters and roofing, repairing exterior elements where needed and repainting the building using an approved color scheme. The project also includes adding wheelchair ramps to improve accessibility.
“The scope of work will include replacement of windows, doors, storm shutters, roofing, and repairs to the exterior where needed, along with repainting of the exterior with approved color,” Green said.
Committee members said they supported efforts to modernize the building but encouraged the design team to use materials that better complement the structure’s historic character. Members also raised concerns about the appearance of roll-down storm shutters and the potential noise from the project’s new generator.
The committee ultimately approved the proposal with recommendations that the project team continue exploring ways to reduce generator noise, consider alternative storm shutter designs and select a softer exterior paint color instead of blue.
The Morris F. deCastro Clinic renovation is expected to be completed next year.
Several other agenda items were not discussed because of cancellations or technical difficulties.
