Sunday Market Square
In 1998, through the acquisition of several abandoned buildings, previously owned by a bankrupt Community Development Corporation, St. Croix Foundation committed itself to reviving the once healthy commercial center historically known as Sunday Market Square.
As the official entrance to downtown Christiansted, Sunday Market Square, or “Times Square” as it is commonly referred to, for centuries served as a center of commerce and a communal meeting place for slaves and freed coloreds. It remained a gathering spot among St. Croix’s residents through the mid 1900s. However, after several decades of neglect and social decay, coupled with the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the Square became host to seedy elements in the community.
To date, St. Croix Foundation has restored four of our properties in Sunday Market Square all of which are now occupied with viable commercial businesses. Additionally, in partnership with Department of Public Works, the Foundation has spearheaded a comprehensive roadway renovation of the square.
Sunday Market Square is home to the Small Business Incubator
Maintaining our commitment to economic development, in 2009, St. Croix Foundation launched the Territory’s first Small Business Incubator in Sunday Market Square, with the goal of nurturing and strengthening burgeoning small businesses- the core of every community’s economic health and vitality.
Having identified the most prominent building in the Square for our Business Incubator, the Old Chase Building currently provides cost-effective fully equipped office space for new and emerging small businesses. Our Incubator also contains a twenty-seat conference room with video/internet capabilities for use by the community at-large.
22A King Street
After extensive restoration in 2001, this property currently houses two low-income apartments, a law office and a restaurant.
32 King Street
This property is home to two businesses: Vanidades Beauty Salon and Andrews Real Estate (formerly Archibald Insurance) and a non-profit organization – Catholic Charities. The Foundation provides Catholic Charities rent at no cost as an extension of our continued commitment to supporting other non-profit organizations in the community.
35 King Street
The Virgin Islands Police Department Bike Patrol Unit has utilized part of the first floor of this property free of charge for over 10 years and has been an important component of the revitalizing of the Square. The Foundation has renovated the exterior walls of the building but needs additional funds to complete the 2nd floor interior renovations.
For more information on our Community Revitalization projects or to DONATE to a specific project, contact St. Croix Foundation.