Historic Preservation in St. Croix: Catholic Charities and Others Navigate Approvals

The St. Croix Historical Preservation Committee convened last week to review various proposals, ranging from the hue of a new hotel to the renovation of a historic residence’s porch ravaged by Hurricane Maria. Amid these discussions, a significant decision was the green light given to Catholic Charities for their revised tennis pavilion design, amidst other deliberations on signage adjustments and construction projects aimed at preserving the island’s architectural legacy.

One of the focal points was a new boutique hotel at 7a Hospital Street, whose color scheme received the nod of approval. However, attention quickly turned to Marianne Zielke, engaged in another project on Hospital Street, as concerns were raised about potential unauthorized constructions. Zielke assured the committee of compliance, promising forthcoming documentation.

Jay Golding’s proposal to restore a hurricane-damaged porch at 35/36 Queen Street in Frederiksted was approved, contingent on the new latticework mirroring the historic design. Meanwhile, the removal and reconfiguration of signage at 54 King Street into a directory format was mandated to reflect current occupancy accurately.

The committee also approved signage for an ice cream shop on 3 & 4 Strand Street, emphasizing the importance of reflective tinting for sun protection. Noteworthy was the approval of Catholic Charities’ updated design for a tennis pavilion, integrating the committee’s prior feedback with minimal adjustments required for the entrance pediment.

A shift from a container home to concrete construction was decided for a residence on 49 & 50 Fisher Street, as compliance with historical preservation standards made the original plan financially unviable. This decision underscores the committee’s influence on maintaining architectural integrity while accommodating modern needs.

Matthew Maselli’s endeavor to secure financing for a property purchase hinged on the committee’s endorsement, highlighting the procedural necessity for formal applications to ensure the legitimacy and financial backing of preservation projects.

Finally, the committee addressed sign violations and provided pragmatic solutions for compliance, reflecting their role in safeguarding St. Croix’s historical essence amidst contemporary commercial activities.

This series of decisions by the St. Croix Historical Preservation Committee underscores the delicate balance between preserving the island’s rich heritage and accommodating the practicalities of modern development, ensuring that the architectural soul of St. Croix remains intact for future generations.