Sunday Market Square

Sunday Market Square

Historical & Cultural Significance of Sunday Market Square

Sunday Market Square (also known as Times Square) is one of the oldest planned public squares in the United States. Seated in historic downtown Christiansted, the Square represents a unique history linked to Denmark’s colonial rule and influence on the island of St. Croix from 1733 to 1917.

Serving as a center for trading among Crucians in the 1700s, the Square was a designated convening space where enslaved Africans were permitted to sell produce, trade goods, connect with loved ones, and socialize in the marketplace on Sundays – their only day off from forced labor. While it remained a popular gathering spot for residents through the 1900s, after several decades of neglect, coupled with the devastation of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the Square fell into disrepair.

Historical & Cultural Significance of Sunday Market Square

Property Portfolio

For more than 20 years, St. Croix Foundation has been dedicated to revitalizing Downtown Christiansted through a myriad of comprehensive development initiatives. In 1998, through the acquisition of seven buildings, all of which stood in various stages of damage and disrepair, the Foundation committed to reviving the once healthy commercial center historically known as Sunday Market Square. Sunday Market Square is the official entrance to Historic Downtown Christiansted.

To date, St. Croix Foundation has restored Sunday Market Roadway and five properties now occupied with several units of affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income families, viable commercial businesses, and nonprofit organizations, including a major restoration project at the Old Chase Building at 22-23 Market Street which currently houses the Foundation’s offices. Current projects include the Alexander Theater and three other historic properties in the Square.

Downtown Historic Block Development:
Before and After in Sunday Market Square

Before and After in Sunday Market Square
Before and After in Sunday Market Square