The Department of Planning and Natural Resources Historic Preservation Committee approved seven applications Tuesday without one negative vote in a two-and-a-half-hour meeting.
Most of the projects were small, including renovations to private residences.
The largest project was the renovation of Blackbeard’s Castle. Its application is part of a project that has been ongoing for several years. In April of last year, representatives appeared before the committee to request approval for renovating one of the three pools on the property. On Tuesday, they asked for approval for plans that include the addition of three hotel suites and an extended deck.
Blackbeard’s Castle is one of four National Historic Sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For many years, it was the centerpiece of a private residence surrounded by a small hotel (The Inn at Blackbeard’s Castle), restaurant, and pool. The inn has not been open since the hurricanes of 2017. The property went on the market in 2022, and Steve Stigler acquired it. The asking price was nearly $4 million.
The St. Thomas Historical Trust’s Kevin Qualls appeared before the committee to obtain approval for lighting on a project it has almost completed — the Bred Gade Step Street. The step street runs from Nye Gade to Murphy Gade.
The Historical Trust initiated the project in 2011 with the assistance of volunteers. Qualls informed the committee that a Danish organization had been providing funding and was permitting the addition of lights and a handrail to the project.
Committee members discussed who should be responsible for maintaining the steps that were accessible to the public and classified as a street. It was also mentioned that the Water and Power Authority could be responsible for maintaining the new lights.
A roof replacement was approved for a building on Lille Gronne Gade. The committee specified that the roof must be red.
A portico was approved for the building at Bjerge Gade 12 A.
Other projects approved included painting the residence of Shoshone Pemberton on Commandante Gade and the installation of a sign at the V.I. Superior Court, recognizing its new name — the Judge Verne A. Hodge Superior Courthouse. A bronze plaque will also be placed on the building,
The meeting started 15 minutes late. Acting Chair Enrique Rodriguez stated that the delay occurred because it was challenging for the committee to obtain a quorum. He said this was because of vacancies that were difficult to fill. He mentioned that two candidates had recently come forward and were ready to serve, but when they discovered they would have to undergo the Senate confirmation process, they withdrew.
Committee Member Bill Newbold said that during his confirmation process, he was asked “odd questions.”
Attending the meeting, in addition to Newbold and Rodriguez, were Kurt Marsh and Colette Burgess.
