The Office of the Deputy Governor has completed Phase One of the rehabilitation of the Old Administration Building on Main Street, a key historic site in the British Virgin Islands. A formal handover ceremony and walkthrough were held on June 4 to officially transfer the redeveloped Annex Building to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development.
The restoration process began in September 2024 with the refurbishment of the building’s front-facing façade. This segment of the project was concluded in January 2025. Work on the Annex Building commenced in October 2024 and was completed by March 2025. Renovations included the installation of new hurricane-resistant doors and windows that meet Miami-Dade standards, as well as the replacement of floor tiling, bathroom fixtures, handrails, and electrical fittings. The exterior wall was also repaired and repainted.
At the handover event, Acting Governor David D. Archer, Jr. acknowledged the building’s role in the Territory’s past and ongoing heritage preservation efforts. “The walls of this building and continuing to the Annex represent hope, admiration and dedication,” he said. “One building at a time, one policy at a time and one book at a time, we are ensuring that the history of the Virgin Islands will never be forgotten. The completion of this phase is a pivotal step in safeguarding the history of this building.”
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley also addressed attendees, stating, “The Old Administration building stands as the landmark of legacy. Its restoration is more than just a structural upgrade; it is preserving our cultural heritage. Where once a deteriorating structure stood, now a revitalised building uplifts the entire area.”
The Annex Building is set to house the National Archives, including the Territory’s historical and cultural records dating back to the 1700s.
The project was managed by the Office of the Deputy Governor. Percell Construction completed the redevelopment of the Annex at a cost of $95,590, while GND Construction carried out the façade refurbishment for $74,800.
A full video recording of the June 4 ceremony is available on the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Facebook page.
The second phase of the project is scheduled for completion by December 2025. Planned works include replacing the rails on the Annex Building, installing new doors on the Old Administration Building, performing a comprehensive structural assessment, cleaning the building’s interior, and replacing the roof and other key non-structural elements.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has stated its ongoing commitment to preserving historical infrastructure across the Territory.
