The Department of Planning & Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission (VIHPC), is pleased to announce the release of its newly updated Historic Districts Guide, now accessible to the public through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) website at dpnr.vi.gov.
This refreshed Guide provides clear, user-friendly direction for property owners, business owners, tenants, contractors, and design professionals working within the historic districts of Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Frederiksted, and Cruz Bay. The publication brings together 16 sets of preservation guidelines, covering signage, paint colors, architectural materials, masonry and wood repair, landscaping, new additions, and the legal approval processes required throughout the Virgin Islands.
“This Guide represents a significant step forward in preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of our islands,” said Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol “By placing this information directly in the hands of the public, we are empowering property owners and business owners to make decisions that honor our shared history while supporting the vitality, character, and long-term resilience of our historic districts.”
Director Sean L. Krigger added, “This Guide is an exciting and long overdue resource. It compiles decades of preservation knowledge into a modern, easy to navigate document that supports both economic activity and the protection of our historic towns.”
The Historic Districts Guide (Version 1.0, January 2026) is now available for download at Historic District Boundaries & Historic Districts Guide – Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, offered in both a full book-style format and a single-page, print=friendly version.
For questions or technical support, contact Director Sean Krigger at sean.krigger@dpnr.vi.gov.
