Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused major damage in the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion, one of St. Croix’s largest public housing areas. Following a major renovation led by the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, with support from the federal government and FEMA, more than 200 families now have an improved place to live.
The $116 million project is a joint effort involving local and federal resources, resulting in meaningful improvements for the community, according to the press release.
“There’s a real peace of mind,” said Yahmillia John, a long-time island resident and occupant of the updated apartments. “With the security, landscaping, and everything else, it’s really comfortable here. I like the new windows because they’re easier to maneuver, and they make me feel safer, especially during hurricane season. We’ve just had a tropical storm [Ernesto], and we weren’t expecting the winds to be so strong. I didn’t feel anything, and I was on the third floor.”
FEMA funds were critical in the construction and wind retrofitting of 20 apartment buildings, an office building, and a community center. These upgrades enhance the buildings’ ability to withstand hurricanes by including wind-resistant gutters, impact-resistant lights, and stronger roofs. The improvements allow the buildings to resist winds up to 168 miles per hour and prevent rain from entering. Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware was used to protect against salty coastal air, further ensuring the durability of the apartment buildings, the press release stated.
“The Walter I. M. Hodge development has seen a big change,” said Dwayne Alexander, executive director of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority. “With the upgraded buildings, the complex now has hurricane-rated windows and all the necessary updates for safety and comfort in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The structural changes follow the 2018 International Building Code and American Society of Civil Engineers standards, providing stability from the roof to the foundation. Additional flood-proofing features include vinyl flooring, concrete sealers, and weatherstripping for doors and windows, the release stated.
With the renovations at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion complete, residents can feel a renewed sense of community. As they look forward to the future, they can do so with assurance, knowing their homes are better prepared for any storms that may come, it said.
