Bryan-Roach administration launches major infrastructure projects in Charlotte Amalie and Frederiksted

The Bryan-Roach Administration announced May 18, 2026, as the start date for two major infrastructure projects advancing revitalization efforts in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Frederiksted on St. Croix, bringing temporary traffic and pedestrian changes to both communities.

The projects include the start of demolition activities at the former Hamburg Amerika Building in downtown Charlotte Amalie to make way for the future Virgin Islands Museum of Art, and the commencement of road reconstruction work in Frederiksted. Department of Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel announced the Frederiksted project during a Government House press briefing.

“These are not isolated projects,” said Government House Director of Communications Richard Motta. “They are connected investments in the places that tell our story, support our small businesses, strengthen our tourism product, and improve the experience of residents and visitors alike.”

Virgin Islands Museum of Art

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Office of Disaster Recovery are moving forward with the phased demolition of the former Hamburg Amerika Building at 48B Norre Gade in downtown Charlotte Amalie, across from Vendors Plaza. James Benton Construction, working on behalf of the Virgin Islands Museum of Art, will begin initial mobilization on May 18, 2026.

The first phase includes the installation of construction fencing and full demolition of the existing structure to prepare the site. The overall project is anticipated to take approximately 48 months.

Motta said the project represents a cultural and economic investment in the heart of the territory’s capital, and is part of a broader strategy to restore and modernize historic town districts across the US Virgin Islands — including investments to modernize Old Educators Park, the 99 Steps, and restroom facilities at the Enid M. Baa Library on St. Thomas, and the establishment of a new commercial zone in Cruz Bay on St. John.

As demolition begins, several temporary changes will take effect in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The sidewalk on the western side of Tolbod Gade in front of the Hamburg Amerika Building will be closed to pedestrians, with foot traffic redirected to the eastern side. Vehicular traffic along Tolbod Gade between Veterans Drive and Norre Gade will be reduced to one northbound lane. The existing taxi drop-off location will be relocated to the eastern side of the Fire House on Forts Straede, and directional signage will be installed throughout the area.

Once completed, the Virgin Islands Museum of Art project is expected to complement the planned Veterans Drive Waterfront Improvement Project and further enhance the Charlotte Amalie waterfront district.

Frederiksted road reconstruction

Commissioner Gabriel announced that contractor Marco St. Croix Inc. will begin mobilization and road reconstruction work on May 18, 2026, in Frederiksted. The project will focus on repairs and reconstruction along Strand Street, King Street, Queen Street, and a portion of Fisher Street. The scope also includes work on the bridge where Queen Street merges into King Street, just north of the Midre Almeric Cummings Recreational and Youth Facility.

Residents and motorists should expect intermittent traffic adjustments and construction activity in the affected areas as work progresses. Marco St. Croix Inc. is expected to release a detailed construction schedule and additional traffic advisories in the coming days.

During the briefing, Motta also reiterated the administration’s call for action on abandoned and derelict properties across the territory’s historic districts.

“Across our Territory, abandoned and derelict buildings continue to affect the appearance, safety, economic potential, and livability of our historic town districts,” Motta said. “They discourage investment, create hazards, and hold back the full revitalization of neighborhoods that should be thriving.”