A once-neglected corridor in the heart of downtown Charlotte Amalie, Berne’s Alley, is undergoing a large-scale revitalization project aimed toward making the space a bustling and thriving community hub.
The revitalization of Berne’s Alley, spearheaded by Crystal Blue Operations (CBO), is a deliberate effort to reweave the historical, cultural, and social fabric of the city’s western edge. CBO is employing a dual approach of restoring the space’s architectural beauty while strategically improving it to suit modern use.
“The vision is to create a space that feels both authentically historic and dynamically present, a welcoming destination for visitors that still retains the essential feeling of ‘home’ for Virgin Islanders”, explains Cristina Blackburn, chief executive officer.
Before this transformation, Berne’s Alley had fallen into a state of disrepair. Where workers once grabbed a meal from Golden Dragon and families collected ice from the local plant, years of neglect had taken their toll. “CBO saw the derelict state not just as an eyesore, but as a drag on the area’s safety and economic health. Existing tenants and neighbors deserved better,” expressed Blackburn.
The company envisions the revived alley as an opportunity to craft a better atmosphere for students from nearby schools, families, and churchgoers from the cathedral, ultimately drawing more people to the western end of downtown.
A key challenge in any historic renovation is integrating necessary modern infrastructure without sacrificing charm. The team, including Vice President of Construction and Facilities Joseph Sibilly and Construction Manager Miles Fossey, is working to tackle this challenge by increasing parking and improving accessibility, while working closely with preservation experts.
“Our Downtown Project Manager Chad Voight and the development team have worked closely with the Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office. The collaboration has been crucial in preserving defining features like the arched walkway toward Kronprindsens Gade and the original interior stonework,” said Sibilly. Practical steps have already been taken to enhance safety, such as adjusting the Kronprindsens Gade gates to be for pedestrian access only.
Beyond the bricks and mortar, the project is designed to foster community. The redesign includes landscaping and pedestrian-friendly features aimed at creating a pleasant, safe environment that encourages foot traffic. While CBO has ideas for the future, they emphasize that “Berne’s is for everyone to enjoy,” encouraging community events to be offered in the space.
“CBO is curating a mix of offices, retail shops, and food and beverage establishments to create a lively destination. We are actively seeking a balance between established brands and local Virgin Islander entrepreneurs. This balance, not only reflects where people want to shop but also strengthens our community and enhances the authentic experience visitors can only have in the Virgin Islands,” says Blackburn.
The Berne’s Alley project is a key piece of CBO’s broader “Historic Area Revitalization Project” (HARP). This larger initiative represents a significant financial investment in the future of the Virgin Islands, aiming to restore the unique character of each block while boosting the local economy. “The anticipated benefits of HARP are multifaceted, including attracting established brands to St. Thomas and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation. Berne’s will serve as a glimpse of what is to come over the next few years of our revitalization journey,” expressed Blackburn.
With the current construction phase complete and landscaping nearing completion, the next major milestone for the public to anticipate is the full transformation, with an anticipated accessibility in late 2025.
Local business owners and entrepreneurs inspired to be a part of this revitalization are encouraged to visit the CBO leasing website www.crystalblueusvi.com or email info@crystalblueusvi.com. CBO invites the community to stay connected by following their social media account @crystalblueusvi found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Their offices can be reached at 340-774-8175.
St. Croix Source
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