Expansion Plans Approved for The Fred Hotel in St. Croix

The expansion of The Fred Hotel in Frederiksted has received conditional approval from the St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee (HPC). The approval was granted during the committee’s monthly meeting in April, following a presentation by architect Clarence Browne.

Clarence Browne presented the hotel’s expansion plans to the HPC, outlining the construction of new structures and the refurbishment of an existing building to increase the hotel’s capacity. The proposal includes the addition of 24 guest rooms through the refurbishment of a building near the corner of Strand and Fisher Streets and the construction of a new structure on an adjacent vacant lot, adding another 10 rooms. The project aims to integrate these additions seamlessly with the existing architecture to maintain the area’s historical aesthetic.

During the meeting, HPC members and Mr. Browne discussed several critical aspects of the design, including how the new structures would integrate with the existing buildings without disrupting the streetscape. Special attention was given to the roofline connections and ground floor privacy, with innovative solutions such as replacing ground-level doors with windows equipped with door-sized shutters and masonry infill to preserve privacy and aesthetics.

Parking was a significant point of discussion, with HPC member Phil Codrington questioning the provision of additional parking spaces. Mr. Browne noted that the hotel’s owner was exploring options to secure additional parking spaces in Frederiksted to meet zoning requirements without compromising the waterfront property’s aesthetic value. Despite the challenges, Browne remained optimistic about finding a solution that would satisfy both parking requirements and community needs.

The HPC’s deliberations also touched on regulatory challenges, particularly zoning restrictions related to parking. Sean Krigger, director of the State Historical Preservation Office, pointed out that the HPC lacked the authority to waive these requirements. He suggested that incorporating parking within the new buildings could be a solution, a strategy that Mr. Browne agreed required creative thinking.

Ultimately, the HPC approved the expansion plans on the condition that the parking issue would be addressed in the final design. The committee expressed their appreciation for the efforts to enhance Frederiksted’s charm, with chair Collette Woodsoon Burgess commending the hotel’s contribution to the local beautification efforts. The approval marks a significant step forward for The Fred Hotel as it prepares to welcome more guests to the historic area of St. Croix.