News Release

Christiansted National Historic Site Repainting (Traditional Limewash) Danish Customs House

Release Date: 3/2/2023
Contact: Tyler Teuscher, [phone] [e-mail]

St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – The National Park Service (NPS) Christiansted National Historic Site (CHRI) in partnership with Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) is repairing the plaster and limewash paint at the Danish Customs House.

The work is anticipated to start on March 6^th, 2023 and be completed on April 19^th, 2023. Impacts to access the second level of the Danish Customs House will be provided through rear entry door for appointments scheduled in advance.

The work will consist of the following processes:

• Remove major vegetation and mold causing damage, or potential future damage to plaster, wall cap and general structure.
• Clean and prepare surface areas for replaster with matching historic mortar based on analysis and CHRI Maintenance Manual Specifications. Removal of plaster will be focused selectively on failing areas or major cracking and flaking.
• Replaster and seal portions of parapet wall in most deteriorated state, addressing cracks and noted areas of water infiltration into the exterior walls of the structure.
• Apply two (2) coats of limewash as per the CHRI Maintenance Manual (traditional formulas). Application process will involve roller application and brush finish. Both yellow and white application will occur. No work will be addressed to wooden shutters or doors aspects of this project.
• Inspect all capping on parapet wall, address major areas of failure to prevent further degradation and intrusion into wall structure.
• Perform analysis of portions of wall that are deemed to be significant point of plaster failure due to rising damp. Ground floor areas of notable likelihood of continued failure will be inspected and determined if applicable plaster coating will maintain.
• Perform selective replastering on exterior building.
• Apply limewash on 100% of building exterior areas of current limewash application.

The project is part of ongoing efforts by the NPS to preserve, restore and rehabilitate park infrastructure and facilities. Supported by revenue from energy development, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors. Approximately $14 million from the fund is supporting geographically based HPTC MAT projects in 59 national parks, including Christiansted National Historical Site.