ST. CROIX — Caravelle Hotel & Casino, the boutique waterfront hotel in Christiansted has announced that the hotel will be funding repairs to the boardwalk lights that were damaged during 2017 storms Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
According to a release issued Thursday, the $130,000 boardwalk light restoration project will begin Friday and is projected to be completed within 90-120 days. As a sign of good faith and commitment to revitalizing Christiansted, Caravelle Hotel will also be donating payment for future electrical costs associated with the boardwalk lights, the release said.
“In 2017 two storms, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, blew through the U.S. Virgin Islands causing significant damage,” said Andrew Dubuque, principal and CFO of Caravelle Hotel & Casino. “Replacing the boardwalk lights is just another way we are helping with the improvements and revitalization of the downtown Christiansted area.”
The restoration will be managed by Genesis Electrical, a Virgin Islands business, and will include repairing and replacing 50 damaged lights with high-speed LED hardwired light fixtures. The new light fixtures are environmentally friendly, storm resistant, and they meet DPNR standards, said the release. The new LED lights will be powered through the hotel and they will also be connected to the hotel’s emergency backup generator.
Caravelle Hotel & Casino said it recognizes the issues surrounding electricity as a hindrance for growth and prosperity to the downtown Christiansted area, and that it remains dedicated to making a positive impact on improving the vitality, development, and preservation of the historic harbor town. Caravelle also believes that local businesses will benefit from the hotel’s restoration project and ongoing commitments.
Most of the boardwalk’s lights are currently non-functional, and the project will bring lighting to the area that everyone can enjoy, the release said.