Hello everyone and happy Tuesday!
For those of you who have been lucky enough to be on St. John lately, you may have noticed that there is a lot of work happening over at the Lumberyard complex in Cruz Bay.
Demolition work has been happening in the area for a few weeks now. As of Monday, the back building that housed the VI Lottery among other businesses has been torn down. The yellow building beside that which housed Estella’s Restaurant, Pilates Worx and others has been removed as well. It appears that work will begin soon on the turquoise building that housed St. John Ice, Jake’s and others. The front building where Driftwood Dave’s, Barefoot Cowboy, Rock Fitness, Kekoa’s offices, etc. is also being prepared to be removed.
Because the complex was deemed a total loss, all of the businesses – with the exception of St. John Ice & Water – received eviction notices after the storms. St. John Ice was allowed to operate until earlier this month. Because that building is set to be torn down, it too had to close up shop. Alan Johnson, owner of St. John Ice, has been looking for a new location for his business. St. John Ice is hugely important to this island, so we hope Alan finds a new location soon.
We reached out to Legacy Development several times and asked about the future of the complex. We have yet to hear back. Legacy Development also owns the Pond Bay development over in Chocolate Hole.
As soon as we know more, we will let you all know. In the meantime, have a fantastic Tuesday everyone!!
Thanks for this Jenn. I hope they have a vision for the future of this location. I hope they get in touch wth Glenn Spear. It would be fantastic to have another complex as beautiful and sturdy as Mongoose.
I heard when we were there in February that it was going to be condos………I blurted out, “Oh, I hope not”!
I stayed at a very nice Airbnb right next to the lottery.
Was a shame to hear the owner tell me it was a total loss. Along with Barefoot…they just opened.
Hope something awesome replaces all of it.
Is Legacy Development owned by a local group?
They’re out of Kansas City.
Maybe the St John Ice could take over the Ocean Grill spot at least temporarily. Beside the main road / parking lot into Mongoose, there is an other road in “theory” at the very rear of Mongoose. One way in to get water one way out with your water to help mitigate traffic flow.
Alan Johnson, the owner of STJ Ice, hopes that Legacy gives him a temporary space after the demo to create a production facility for his ice & water business.
It’ll be a shame to lose another business to IrMaria
Speaking of Kekoa, any word about the rebuilding return of their boat? How’s the family doing? Are they on island? Would love to hear how they and their crew are doiung.
Larry, you can follow Kekoa rebuilding and family news at their face book site.
Jamison and Ryan have made a lot of progress and are planning to be back in business in November. Lets hope that no hurricanes between now and November.
Yes! Thank you for asking. Kekoa was rescued and is being repaired! Its been a long road but we are expecting to be back up and running by December.
Priscilla Sherman mother of the captains and owners of Kekoa
Thanks Priscella,
We live down the road from you in Beaufort, Sc. I have since followed the repairs on facebook. Congrats on your new grandchild.
I’ve been on island many times over many years (since the late 1980’s) and the Lumberyard has always been there. To me, it was always an odd yet important mess.
Never heard exactly where the name Lumberyard came from, but I can easily guess. Does anyone know the history of the site?
The Lumber Yard was actually the only actual lumber yard/hardware store for years….
It is without question that St. John Ice needs a home right away. As a resident of St. John being without this company makes me on edge. Especially considering what time of year it is. It is a critical service that we desperately need.
Please, please, please no more housing rentals in this spot. I like the idea of Glenn Speer building something.
Long term housing would be amazing in the spot! We desperately need it. So many people are struggling to find long term housing.
Hello St Johnians!
If anyone has any photographs of the lumberyard before, during and after the demolition, I would love to see them
Please send to [email protected]
Thank you!
Ruth