ST. THOMAS — Fort Christian, originally constructed in 1671 during Danish colonial rule, is once again open as a museum and visitor attraction, following a ribbon-cutting event at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday led by Governor Kenneth Mapp. The building had been closed for years as it underwent renovation — along with multiple delays. Government House revealed in December that the total budget for the renovation of the fort was $2,076,549.02 for Phase I, $911,000.00 for Phase II, and an estimated $1.5 Million for the third phase.
Renovations on the project began in 2005 with Tiptop Construction and Custom Builders was awarded a new contract to perform the renovation work in 2014. Custom Builders substantially completed Phase I on June 24, 2015 to include a new bricked roof, refurbished Governor’s Quarters with wooden floors, a refurbished reception room complete with wainscoting, refurbished church with exterior lighting added to the grounds of the south curtain and interior courtyard. These improvements have markedly enhanced the aesthetics of the fort, and the refurbished restrooms were to provide comfort to all visitors to the fort.
On Wednesday, a host of officials representing all branches of government, many residents and visitors were on hand to participate in the long-awaited event, and to attend the governor’s official Transfer Centennial reception.
The governor also invited members of the community to hold functions there, given the fort’s expansive floor space in the open courtyard, as well as on the roof, now decked in red brick. There also is a quaint chapel with pews which can accommodate wedding parties.
In remarks to the audience prior to the ribbon-cutting, Mr. Mapp expressed the public’s appreciation for the work done during the course of three administrations and six legislatures to renovate and reopen Fort Christian in time for the March 31st, 2017 Transfer Centennial. He described the structure as beautiful, and ready to host visitors and residents, including students. He asked that the public help to maintain the historic building as he commended former Governor Charles W. Turnbull for launching the initiative to restore public-owned historic sites.
Even before its restoration, Fort Christian had been a popular downtown tourist attraction. Mr. Mapp stated that in the near future, the downtown fire station will be relocated, which will expose the Fort’s western façade to a view from the town. Official tours were conducted during the evening, and will be offered on a regular basis, according to Commissioner Dawn Henry, Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
Following an inspiring performance in the courtyard by the Caribbean Ritual Cultural Dancers, the guests were invited to enjoy the Governor’s Reception in a completely restored Fort Christian, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
