Historic Restoration Begins on St. Croix’s Iconic “Old Post-Office”

The Christiansted National Historic Site in collaboration with the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC), has initiated a comprehensive restoration project on the Guinea Company Warehouse, a structure commonly known in the local community as “the old post-office.”

The project will be carried out by a team comprising National Park Service employees and interns from the HPTC, including local St. Croix residents and additional support from HPTC's San Juan, Puerto Rico, Maintenance Action Teams, according to a release issued Monday.

The restoration efforts are set to address several key issues that have compromised the structural integrity and aesthetic of the building over the years. Key activities include the removal of deteriorating limewash and remnants of latex/acrylic paint believed to have been applied in the 1970s. The project will also undertake extensive masonry repairs, utilizing traditional lime mortar mixtures, historic brick, and reproduction kiln-fired Danish brick to preserve the building's original characteristics.

Furthermore, the initiative includes the replacement of all storm shutters and doors. These will be constructed from treated wood and outfitted with brass/bronze alloy metal hardware to extend their durability. The new paint for these elements will adhere to the building's historic color schemes, ensuring an authentic restoration.