Fredricksted, StX

Eve,
I will be on-island the month of June and have been thinking heavily on this subject for the last couple months.

I love the west end of the island and would like to be able to contribute to the re-building of Frederikstead. I have a background in Business Analysis and would love to participate in any way I can.

I opened a business in Frederiksted the 1st of March and I truely believe that within the next year everyone will see Frederiksted grow into a great place to work and shop. Once the new waterfront is completed and Strand street reopens both ways people will find their way back to Frederiksted. There is a lot of involvement by the community to revitilize the town and if people didn't believe in the future of Frederiksted one would not be seeing this commitment. There is still Sunset Jazz on the 3rd Friday of the month and we have been getting cruise ships and the people are actually getting off of the boat and enjoying the island. In the past there has been a lot of negative information given out about this charming town. One only has to live here to feel the warmth and generosity of the local people and to become a believer that St. Croix really is Paradise.

I do believe that F'sted is getting ready to make it's day. I don't believe that it eill be from cruise ships. That new street that they are redoing needs to be turned into a "South Beach' type place. Those buidings into chic restaurants and clubs. People will come from all over the island. This does have to be an idea that originates from the local F'steders. They are ticklish people. Once the idea gets off the ground I am sure any help will be appreciated. I was there two weeks ago and talked to someone trying to make it happen. I hope it does! F'sted is quite a beautiful secret!
Ronnie

Thanks so much for the info so far. Keep it coming! I'm trying to get a feel for Frederiksted (ya I noticed I misspelled it but can't find the edit my post button anymore).

We were on STX in January and my wife wanted to go to a Friday sunset concert on the beach in Frederiksted. I was more than a little reluctant because I thought it might not be safe, but a neighbor on the east end assured me that it would be fine and he was right. The performer was Steven Katz, a jazz guitarist who is the best I have ever heard. The setting was spectacular. We had dinner around 8:00 at a french restaurant whose name I can't remember, but it was St. something. The meal was very good and we had a great time. I have driven around Frederiksted during the day and felt a little uncomfortable. I can see where street crime might be an issue, but it certainly seems like a lot of people are trying to change things for the better and they are having success.

I think you're referring to Le St. Tropez. Yes, it's a great restaurant indeed.

I agree with every response. I was in F-sted last Sunday night for the sunset at Rainbow ( back in Massachusetts now unfortunately ). Driving through the town was very disappointing but i could see the opportunities there for revival. It seems like the buildings still have the old architecture and charm but are run down. A little face lifting and paint would make the town much better. I didn't witness any crime but could only imagine what goes on. We hit The Lost Dog afterwards to see a band. I felt safe inside but outside the bar was a bit sketchy. I believe the tourists are bused to C-sted when arriving by cruise. Probably a good choice for the time being. But, there is a lot of potential there.

I was in F-sted in October. Fell in love with the place,lots of potential. I am going to stay a month from the middle of Apr to middle of May to check it all out. I belive ther is a bright future, how far off is the question. I am a CPA and have lot's of business experience so I am definetly into looking into it.
Lea

Remember that the William and Punch Partners development just north of town is in the works. Most people have a very good feeling about it and are confident it will go through. It has the potential to totally transform the area. The Frederiksted area has many largely untapped amenities. At nearly three-miles long, Sandy Point, just down the road, is the longest beach in the Virgin Islands. Some divers say the diving at the old pier is the best in the Caribbean. The beeches on the West End are some of the best on the island for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The cruise ships will have to come back because the lines are launching dozens of new ships each year and need more ports of call-not that it will pump a lot of money into the economy, but it will help. The waterfront makeover will soon be completed. I think that in five years, real estate on the West End will be through the roof and Frederiksted will be a very vibrant town. I’ve seen it happen to marginal neighborhoods on the mainland. All this assumes that the stupid government doesn’t somehow mess things up.

I'm not aware of the Willam and Punch development. What is that all about or where can I get info about it?

Try this link for some info.

http://www.kennedyfunding.com/pr_croix.html

--Islander

Hi!
I am hoping to get some information about businesses that would be suitable for a restuarant (or land) in Frederiksted. A fixer-upper would be perfect. We don't want to lease though, so if you know of any potential properties for sale, please send a message...We're still in the states, but are looking to fly down this Fall. Thanks!

Chasity