St. Croix Businesses Archives - David Fedeles, St. Croix Real Estate

BREAKING NEWS: Limetree Bay Refinery Closes Indefinitely

June 22, 2021 by Team Fedeles

The news of Limetree Bay Refinery’s indefinite closure hit headlines on Monday, June 21, 2021. Local news, including the St. Croix Source, as well as national news sources, like the Washington Post, reported that the refinery will not be re-opening due to financial constraints.

What the Virgin Islands Government is saying

It is reported that the Governor Says Limetree’s Decision to Shut Down Was Not a Surprise. In May, the refinery was forced to temporarily close for 60 days by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Of high importance is the roughly 800 jobs affected by the closure. Governor Bryan says, “This announcement is not something our administration wanted or hoped for, but it is certainly something for which we are prepared. Our Department of Labor has already activated its rapid response teams to help affected workers transition to new employment and or connect them with unemployment benefits.” The Governor has also said that the closure of the refinery will not affect the oil storage terminal, which is a separate entity with about 88 employees.

Read: Governor Bryan Statement on Limetree Refinery Announcement to Lay-off 271 Workers, Suspend Plans to Restart Refinery Operations

How does this affect St. Croix real estate?

There is no indication that this news will slow down the real estate industry. St. Croix has experienced a robust market of statesiders investing in and/or moving to island, whether as a primary or secondary home. Environmental impacts are a positive byproduct that is expected with the closing after some recent pollutants were dispersed in local neighborhoods, causing a 60 day shutdown in May.

Team Fedeles will be keeping close tabs on St. Croix real estate trends in order to best advise our buyer and seller clients.

April Newsletter: Resilience 2.0

April 29, 2020 by Team Fedeles

If there’s one thing Virgin Islanders prove time and time again: we’re a resilient bunch. While COVID-19 is a new type of challenge, our community is responding in the only way we know how. With resilience.

Like most of the U.S., the U.S.V.I. is under a stay-at-home order through April 30. Our beaches were temporarily closed for the safety of all residents and re-opened on Monday, April 20. Only “essential” businesses are open with adjusted/limited hours and extra safety precautions. Many restaurants have responded with carryout ordering and grocery stores have impressively taken the situation in stride. No shortage of toilet paper here! See below for links to various resources.

Thankfully, real estate has been deemed an “essential” business and our clients who had been excitedly waiting to close have been able to do so. In fact, we’ve had one buyer and two sellers close in April — Congratulations to all!

Here’s how we are adapting our showings to keep sellers and prospective buyers safe:

Sellers are asked to open all doors, including bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, balconies, etc., so no doorknobs or handles need to be touched.
Similarly, all lights are to be turned on and blinds/curtains drawn, so no touching of switches or cords is necessary.
Buyers and agents are advised not to touch anything and to remove their shoes.
We are practicing the recommended 6-feet social distancing.
Masks and gloves are worn as deemed necessary.

We’re also capable of preparing a 100% virtual listing presentation, and we use Google Hangouts and DocuSign for meetings and paperwork.

COVID-19 U.S.V.I. Resources:

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health: facts about testing and cases; safety information
U.S. Virgin Islands Government: information about Stay-at-Home order; economic stimulus; Text “COVID19USVI” to 888777 to receive notifications.
Government House Facebook: live press briefings

U.S.V.I. Restaurants & Businesses

Island Direct: food delivery from restaurants, grocery stores, farms and other retailers
Cruzan Foodie: list of restaurants offering carryout
GoToStCroix.com: business listings and general information

We urge you to continue supporting these businesses and restaurants as you are able. If you’re not local to order carryout, consider purchasing a gift card for a restaurant or excursion for your next visit. Send a gift from a St. Croix shop. Write a review on your favorite business’s Facebook page.

Stay safe and healthy, wherever you are!

Warm regards,
Team Fedeles

Caravelle Hotel Expanding Operations in Christiansted

December 6, 2017 by Team Fedeles

As part of their commitment to the revitalization of downtown Christiansted, the owners of Caravelle Hotel & Casino have acquired the King Christian Hotel and Company House Hotel. Team Fedeles was honored to have been part of the sale and are thrilled with Caravelle’s role in making Christiansted even better.

CRG Holdings, LLC, acquired the 44-room Caravelle Hotel in 2015. They underwent $2.5 million in renovations and opened in February 2016.

Also in 2016, they partnered with VIGL Operations, LLC, to manage and operate the addition of a casino to the hotel. One requirement of the casino license is that the hotel have a minimum of 75 rooms. With the recent purchase, the hotel now offers 124 rooms

VIGL plans to undergo further renovations from May through September 2018 to repair damage caused by Hurricane Maria. For now, all three properties are open and accepting guests.

King Christian Hotel

King Christian Hotel, located at 59 King’s Wharf, Christiansted, St. Croix. The 44-room hotel overlooks the Caribbean Sea and historic sites including the Scale House, Fort Christiansvaern and the Customs House.

Company House Hotel

Company House Hotel, located at 2 Company Street in Christiansted, St. Croix. The 36-room hotel is steps from the Steeple Museum, Fort Christiansvaern, and the park.

Caravelle Hotel

Caravelle Hotel & Casino, located in historic Christiansted, is an easy-access Caribbean destination for U.S. citizens. Following a $2.5 million renovation in 2016, the waterfront hotel’s fresh new look incorporates natural stone flooring, bright open spaces and an on-site casino. The 44-room European-style waterfront hotel blends Old World elegance with 21st-century service and amenities including complimentary WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, sun decks and an award-winning restaurant. Call 800-524-0410 to make a reservation or to request information.

All three hotels, Caravelle Hotel & Casino, Company House Hotel and King Christian, are walking distance from shops, restaurants, galleries, historic landmarks, as well as adventures including fishing, diving and sailing charters which depart from the boardwalk that both Caravelle Hotel and King Christian overlook.

Business Spotlight: Pointe Dance Academy

September 13, 2017 by Team Fedeles

For those of you who know me, you know the Arts are near and dear to my heart. I have known Sonja Dickerson-Faust, owner and instructor of Pointe Dance Academy, for nearly my entire time on St. Croix. The Academy has been part of the St. Croix Arts community for 25 years — and the fall semester of classes started this week!

The only accredited ballet school in the Virgin Islands, Pointe Dance Academy offers classes for all age levels. Curriculum includes open classes in the Bournonville and Russian Imperial methods, as well as Syllabus classes in the Cecchetti method. Pointe Dance Academy is a member of the Cecchetti Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and Cecchetti USA. Sonja has had many students here on island take the international set standard exams, including a group this year who passed with flying colors!

In addition to her extensive ballet training, Sonja’s Pilates certifications include second generation by Lolita San Miguel and Polestar Pilates in mat with props, studio and allegro.

Pointe Dance Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit. Programs are partially funded by the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. With Federal Arts funding being cut, the Academy is hopeful to find new ways to sustain their arts education programming.

The best way to support Pointe Dance Academy and the Arts on St. Croix is to participate! Ballet and Creative Movement classes are available for children age 3 through adult. And Pilates classes are available six days a week ($15/class).

As a nonprofit, Pointe Dance Academy also graciously accepts donations. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of their Nutcracker or Spring Gala performances, consider supporting this important component of the Arts in St. Croix!

For more information:

Pointe Dance Academy Facebook
Phone: 340-718-9072

USVI and Airbnb Announce an Agreement

May 19, 2017 by Team Fedeles

The U.S. Virgin Islands and Airbnb have signed a tax agreement which will allow the online accommodations booking platform to collect the Territory’s 12.5% Hotel Room Occupancy Tax on behalf of hosts and remit the funds to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue. The first agreement of its kind in the Caribbean, it goes into effect June 1, 2017.

Earlier this year on our blog, we shared the St. Croix Source‘s article stating that it’s possible the USVI is missing out on millions of dollars in revenue due to the rise in vacation rental web sites, like Airbnb and VRBO. This new agreement will ensure that taxes are being paid on Airbnb rentals, which we can hope will go back into our infrastructure so that St. Croix and our sister islands continue to be a vacation, snow bird and moving destination for years to come.

The agreement with Airbnb is a component of the Mapp-Potter Administration’s Five Year Plan to restore economic stability to the V.I. Government. Governor Mapp is quoted saying, “This is good for our Government because it streamlines the collection process and enables more of our residents to participate in the visitor industry. Our hospitality sector will also greatly benefit from the promotional reach of this multibillion-dollar organization.”

According to the local Government, Airbnb has about 2,000 active listings across the USVI and a typical Airbnb host earns $7,700 a year.

For our clients who use rental web sites to rent your home, condo, apartment, or villa, if you are using sites other than Airbnb, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue Form 722 VI still applies.

Time is flying on “The Don’t Hurry”

May 18, 2017 by Team Fedeles

Cruzan Rum may call St. Croix “The Don’t Hurry” island, but time sure is flying. It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway through 2017! So far, the year has been full of milestones.

The new ferry between St. Croix and St. Thomas started service in early April. The ferry makes two round-trips, seven days a week, and a one-way trip costs $50. Though it has had a few challenges, reviews have been mostly positive.

Speaking of hurrying, more than 300 athletes were moving as fast as they could toward the finish line of the Ironman 70.3 St. Croix triathlon. May 7 was the final running of the race that started as the America’s Paradise Triathlon in 1988 and became the Ironman 70.3 St. Croix in 2001. The Ironman franchise has grown from 10 races to more than 200 worldwide, which has led to declining participation here on St. Croix. We’re sad to see it come to an end, but have heard several supporters talk about ways to keep the triathlon going.

The USVI Department of Tourism has upped the ante with a Centennial Plus Package to incentivize tourism to St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. In partnership with travel booking services, book before June 1 to receive $400 in VI spending credits plus get a fourth night free!

As you may see periodically on my Facebook page, restaurants on St. Croix have been getting quite a bit of attention lately — and now you have two opportunities to own prominent St. Croix commercial properties that are currently restaurants. An island favorite, the Cultured Pelican is located at Coakley Bay condos, overlooking Buck Island. Gertrude’s is in a high-traffic location with expansive space for restaurant seating or a number of different commercial uses.

Have you ever wondered what the “Beachfront Bargain Hunt” couples are up to post-television stardom? I stopped in on Kyle and Ania earlier this month to say “hello” and see what they’ve been up to. They bought their house last summer and have been busy with some major renovations to turn their investment into their dream home.

Are you ready to buy or sell your island home? Home sales are up on St. Croix. The Market Watch shows that 25% more homes were sold during April 2017 compared to April of last year. Give Kristi and I a call!

Warm regards,
The Fedeles Team