Historic Preservation Committee Delays Demolition Decision, Urges Restoration Alternatives for Christiansted Property

The St. Croix HPC paused a demolition request for a Christiansted property to explore restoration options, while also approving a long-awaited paint plan for a Hill Street home under restoration by a family with 200 years of history.

A request to demolish a deteriorating Christiansted structure was put on hold by the St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee last Tuesday, as members encouraged the property owner to explore preservation options instead. The decision came during a meeting where Antonio O’Reilly, who inherited the property from his late mother, sought permission to tear down the aging building to make way for a modern family home.

“The demo will allow me to complete a fresh start to design a new home that will fit me and my family lifestyle,” Mr. O’Reilly told committee members. He described the current condition of the building as unsafe, noting it had been subject to vandalism and drug use by trespassers. “I'm a little worried about the fire hazard with that,” he added. He also cited health concerns, suggesting the building “probably has asbestos as well as old lead pipes.”

While O’Reilly viewed the structure as beyond repair, State Historic Preservation Office Director Sean Krigger offered a different perspective. “You inherited a legacy from your mom, and she inherited that from somebody else, but you also have a semi-clean slate,” Krigger said.

He pointed out that the building’s location on the lot allowed for new construction at the front of the property. “You got the opportunity to develop a new building in front…you could do a driveway along the eastern side,” Krigger suggested, noting that current zoning permits up to three stories on new buildings. The existing structure, he added, could be rehabilitated to create up to four residential units.