PROJECT BACKGROUND

Phase One Design Improvements started in 2002 when cruise ships announced they would no longer call on the island of St. Croix. Frederiksted is the only port of entry for these large ships on St. Croix. Local property owners and tourism businesses were concerned that their economy would suffer unless the town and waterfront were spruced up and rendered more welcoming.

With our first St. Thomas design office called Paradigm Design, we were retained by Public Finance Authority of the US Virgin Islands as the local consultants of Coastal Systems International, Coral Gable, to help revitalize the Frederiksted waterfront.  Our contribution included community engagement, organizing meetings with stakeholders and local interest groups, with analysis of the urban fabric, its land uses and open spaces, and schematic design and design development of the waterfront improvements. 

WATERFRONT USE AND ACCESS

The priority programmatic agenda for the town leaders and residents was to improve the aesthetics, function, public safety, and symbolic significance of Veterans Park, Strand Street and Fort Frederik. The second was to help orient pedestrian traffic from the cruise ship dock through the first 3 blocks of Strand St., where most of the retail and restaurant establishments are currently located under the arcades and inner courtyards.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

During many meetings sessions and an intense three-day charrette with key community leaders, business owners, landowners and concerned citizens, shared ideas begun to emerge. These were mapped on paper using large plans of the town to draw on.  Urban analysis issues and a preliminary concept plan for the waterfront improvements were discussed and then presented to all key leaders for reaching consensus.

Some of the issue discussed where:

1. Authenticity. Capital improvements should ultimately enhance what is genuine and unique about Frederiksted, its history and culture, and what differentiates it from other Caribbean destinations.

2. Veteran War Memorials and Old Historic Well. This was an important landmark for the residents. A bosque of tall royal palms would be one means to add dignity to the memorial site by recalling historical gravestone and vernacular memorial monuments.

3. Lighting. The waterfront would benefit from area lighting designed for both public safety and to create an inviting and appropriate atmosphere for areas used during evening events and performances.During many meeting sessions and an intense three-day charrette with key community leaders, business owners, landowners, and concerned citizens, shared ideas began to emerge. These were mapped on paper using large plans of the town to draw on. Urban analysis issues and a preliminary concept plan for the waterfront improvements were discussed and then presented to all key leaders for reaching consensus.

Some of the issues discussed were:

1. Authenticity. Capital improvements should ultimately enhance what is genuine and unique about Frederiksted, its history and culture, and what differentiates it from other Caribbean destinations.

2. Veteran War Memorials and Old Historic Well. This was an important landmark for the residents. A bosque of tall royal palms would be one means to add dignity to the memorial site by recalling historical gravestones and vernacular memorial monuments.

3. Lighting. The waterfront would benefit from area lighting designed for both public safety and to create an inviting and appropriate atmosphere for areas used during evening events and performances.

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

The waterfront park would encourage friendly interaction between residents and visitors by providing amenities such as shaded seating, domino and chess tables, rest areas, and play areas for kids. A special space for kids could be provided, perhaps at the southern edge of the park, which is the most private and protected for family interaction.

Our inspiration for the Veteran Memorial Palm Grove was driven by historical precedents and the need to keep usable, safe, open areas.  The tall royal palm grove is repeated at the Old Well Plaza to clearly mark the street intersection without obstructing the view of the ocean water or vehicular traffic, inviting people to safely cross and explore the rest of the town.

To improve pedestrian circulation and safe crossing at the street intersections, we proposed increasing traffic space on Strand Street currently occupied by parallel parking. The historic deep and unsafe gut adjacent to Veterans’ Park was regraded and paved into a flatter, wider area for both stormwater collection and car parking. The gut was an important historic visual asset and would be preserved in its function and character.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION

We helped the design team secure environmental regulatory permits through the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Agency of the USVI. We prepared bollard lights and benches details, stone gutter and paving details. However, the completion of the construction documents and the implementation of the project became a design-build venture carried over exclusively by Coastal Systems from Florida without our further input. 

AFTERWARDS

Though quite different from the original concept in layout and materials, the Phase I Frederiksted Economic Revitalization was eventually completed in 2007. Ten years later, Hurricane Irma and María wiped away many of the original mahogany trees and several palms, inflicting damage on light fixtures and chained bollards. Additional dilapidated buildings have been seen in town since then, but renewed enthusiasm and courage from newcomers with private investment for reconstruction has also been noticed, as it happens over and over after every hurricane.