St. Croix, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health and Office of Disaster Recovery, joined by the Territory’s leadership, recovery partners, contractors, and community stakeholders, officially broke ground, on Tuesday, on the Donna M. Christian Christensen, MD Health Center, marking a major milestone in the revitalization of public health infrastructure on St. Croix.

“As the first project to enter the construction phase under the Rebuild USVI initiative, today marked another step toward moving billions in obligated FEMA funding from paper to construction,” said Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director of the VI Office of Disaster Recovery. “This is just one of more than 30 projects procured and contracted through the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority and managed by ODR’s Super PMO (Project Management Office).”

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex site in Estate Richmond, marked the start of construction on a modern, resilient public health facility designed to serve generations of Virgin Islanders.

The project replaces the Harwood Complex building, which was severely damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and represents a significant investment in long-term health, preparedness, and recovery.

“Today, we honor our past and boldly build our future,” said Health Commissioner Justa “Tita” Encarnacion. “This site has served the people of St. Croix for nearly three-quarters of a century. As we break ground on this new health center, we reaffirm our commitment to accessible, high-quality public health services and honor the spirit of service that has always defined this place.”

Commissioner Encarnacion reflected on the historic role of the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex and the enduring legacy of service rooted in the site. She also shared personal reflections on her early experiences there as a young volunteer—moments that helped shape her lifelong commitment to public health leadership.

Construction of the facility will be led by the Consigli Benton Joint Venture, bringing together Consigli Construction Co. Inc., and J. Benton Construction, two firms with extensive experience delivering complex healthcare and recovery projects. The joint venture will oversee all phases of construction, with a focus on quality, safety, resilience, and long-term operational reliability.

James Benton, Principal-in-Charge, emphasized the significance of the project and the team’s responsibility to the community.

“Today, we honor our past and boldly build our future,” said Health Commissioner Justa “Tita” Encarnacion. “This site has served the people of St. Croix for nearly three-quarters of a century. As we break ground on this new health center, we reaffirm our commitment to accessible, high-quality public health services and honor the spirit of service that has always defined this place.”

Commissioner Encarnacion reflected on the historic role of the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex and the enduring legacy of service rooted in the site. She also shared personal reflections on her early experiences there as a young volunteer—moments that helped shape her lifelong commitment to public health leadership.

Construction of the facility will be led by the Consigli Benton Joint Venture, bringing together Consigli Construction Co. Inc., and J. Benton Construction, two firms with extensive experience delivering complex healthcare and recovery projects. The joint venture will oversee all phases of construction, with a focus on quality, safety, resilience, and long-term operational reliability.

James Benton, Principal-in-Charge, emphasized the significance of the project and the team’s responsibility to the community.

“This project is deeply meaningful for our team because this is our home,” said Mr. Benton. “We are committed to delivering a resilient, state-of-the-art health center that will serve the people of St. Croix for generations and stand ready to operate when it is needed most.”

The new 117,000-square-foot, five-level facility will house a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, behavioral health, laboratory services, EMS, environmental health, WIC, and administrative offices. The building will incorporate advanced structural systems, redundant power generation, modern mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and building automation systems designed to ensure continuity of operations during emergencies.

The health center is designed by Flad Architects, in partnership with local firm Taller Larjas, owned by the late Virgin Islands architectural icon Gerville Larsen. The design intentionally blends resilience with cultural identity, drawing inspiration from St. Croix’s history, landscape, and people.

Steve Jackson, Principal at Flad Architects, described a facility that is both functional and deeply connected to place.

“From the beginning, this project was about far more than a building,” said Mr. Jackson. “The design reflects the culture and spirit of St. Croix through the use of limestone, vibrant colors, and patterns inspired by madras, while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment. At the same time, the facility is forward-looking—designed to be durable, sustainable, and ready to serve the community during everyday operations and public health emergencies.”

Commissioner Encarnacion noted that early in the design phase, Flad Architects met with the VI Department of Health and key stakeholders at Carambola Resort for a two-day visioning session. Assistant Commissioners Reuben Molloy and Dr. Nicole Craigwell-Syms, played a major role in the formulation of our vision. Other participants included the department’s leadership and staff, Senator Novelle E. Francis, hospitals chief executives, Dr. Donna Christian Christensen and other partners.

The ceremony also celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Christian Christensen as physician, nationally renowned public health advocate, and the first woman to serve as the U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress.

During the ceremony, Commissioner Encarnacion highlighted Dr. Christensen’s enduring contributions to health equity, minority health advocacy, and federal policymaking, as well as her service to the territory during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project reflects close collaboration among the Office of Disaster Recovery, FEMA, VITEMA, the Bryan-Roach Administration, the 36th Legislature, and numerous local and federal partners.

Commissioner Encarnacion offered special recognition to Office of Disaster Recovery Director Williams-Octalien for her leadership in navigating federal recovery pathways that helped bring the project to fruition.

Territorial leaders underscored the broader significance of the project as a cornerstone of recovery and long-term investment in public health.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. noted that the groundbreaking represents an important step forward in rebuilding modern, durable healthcare infrastructure across the Virgin Islands. Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach highlighted the project as a reflection of sustained recovery efforts, interagency coordination, and responsible use of federal recovery resources.

Senate President Milton E. Potter reaffirmed the Legislature’s support for strengthening public health infrastructure and advancing projects that promote health equity and community well-being on St. Croix.

As construction begins, today’s groundbreaking stands as a symbol of renewal, resilience, and progress—advancing the Virgin Islands’ commitment to a stronger, more equitable public health system.

“We look forward to the day we gather again—not to break ground, but to cut the ribbon on a facility that truly reflects the strength and spirit of our people,” Encarnacion said.

The construction of the Donna M. Christian Christensen, MD Health Center is slated to be complete in 2028.