News Release

Stabilizing the Historic Cinnamon Bay Danish Warehouse

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 29, 2024

Contact: Ahmad Toure

Stabilizing the Historic Cinnamon Bay Danish Warehouse
ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands—Virgin Islands National Park in partnership with the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) is in the process of stabilizing the Cinnamon Bay Danish Warehouse ruins. Thought to have been constructed in the late 17^th century, it sustained significant damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Why is this project important?
Stabilizing the warehouse ensures that it remains standing for as long as possible and is safe to access, allowing park visitors to continue to learn from this valuable resources for years to come.
How is it funded?
The Great American Outdoors Act is part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides the NPS with 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. In addition to more than 100 large-scale infrastructure projects, GAOA has funded more than 300 smaller Maintenance Action Teams (MAT) activities, many of them historic preservation, in national parks throughout the country.
When is it happening?
Scoping and condition assessments have already taken place. The on-site preservation work began in October and the stabilization project should be completed in November 2024. This project will not affect visitation to the Cinnamon Bay Beach or Campgrounds. However, visitors should note that the area around the structure has been fenced off for safety reasons until the work is completed.