A photorealistic rendering of the new Donna Christian Christensen, MD Health Center provided by designer Flad Architects.
Officials from the United States Virgin Islands Department of Health and the United States Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery marked the start of construction on the Donna M. Christian Christensen, MD Health Center on St. Croix during a groundbreaking ceremony held at the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex site in Estate Richmond.
The project is the first to enter the construction phase under the Rebuild USVI initiative and represents a major milestone in the territory’s public health recovery following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Adrienne Williams-Octalien, director of the United States Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery, said the project signals progress in moving federal recovery funds into active construction.
The new facility will replace the Charles Harwood Memorial Complex, which sustained severe storm damage in 2017. Officials described the project as a long-term investment in public health, emergency preparedness, and resilience on St. Croix.
United States Virgin Islands Commissioner of Health Justa “Tita” Encarnacion said the site has served the community for nearly 75 years and emphasized the department’s commitment to accessible public health services. She reflected on the historical role of the former complex and its influence on her own public health career.
USVI Commissioner of Health Justa “Tita” Encarnacion delivers the opening remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Donna M. Christian Christesen, MD, Health Center.
Construction will be led by the Consigli Benton Joint Venture, a partnership between Consigli Construction Co. Inc. and J. Benton Construction. The joint venture will oversee all phases of construction with a focus on durability, safety, and operational reliability.
James Benton, principal-in-charge, said the project holds special significance for the team due to its importance to the St. Croix community.
The five-level, 117,000-square-foot health center will house primary care, behavioral health, laboratory services, emergency medical services, environmental health, WIC services, and administrative offices. The facility will include redundant power systems, modern mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and building automation designed to support continued operations during emergencies.
The building was designed by Flad Architects in partnership with Taller Larjas, the local firm founded by Gerville Larsen. Designers said the project integrates resilience with cultural elements inspired by St. Croix’s history, landscape, and people.
Steve Jackson, principal at Flad Architects, said the design incorporates materials and patterns reflective of local culture while prioritizing sustainability and long-term performance.
Commissioner Encarnacion said early design discussions included a two-day visioning session with department leadership and stakeholders. Participants included Assistant Commissioners Reuben Molloy and Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, Senator Novelle E. Francis, hospital executives, Dr. Donna Christian Christensen, and other partners.
USVI Department of Health Assistant Commissioner Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms and Chief of Staff Shanna O’Reilly, with Dr. Donna Christian Christensen.
The ceremony also honored the legacy of Dr. Christensen, a physician, public health advocate, and the first woman to serve as Delegate to Congress from the United States Virgin Islands. Officials highlighted her contributions to health equity, minority health advocacy, and her service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project involves coordination among the United States Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, the Bryan–Roach administration, the 36th Legislature, and other local and federal partners.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, and Senate President Milton E. Potter each emphasized the project’s role in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and advancing long-term recovery on St. Croix.
Construction of the Donna M. Christian Christensen, MD Health Center is expected to be completed in 2028.
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William-José Vélez González is a native from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and a graduate from Florida International University in biomedical engineering, engineering management, and international relations. A designer with a strong interest in science, policy, and innovation, he previously served as the national executive vice president of the Puerto Rico Statehood Students Association. William-José lives in Washington, DC, where he works at the Children's National Research Institute and runs Opsin, a nonprofit design studio dedicated to making design more accessible. You can see him on Love is Blind as Lydia's brother. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of Pasquines.
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