Local architect William Taylor, AIA, holds a great interest in the architecture of St. Croix's historical buildings and the history behind them. For the last 20 years, Taylor has designed such projects as The Quin House and its adjoining courtyard, Estate Canegarden in collaboration with Frederik Gjessing, the Vegetable Market Pavilion on Company Street and St. Paul's Church in Frederiksted. More recently, Taylor's involvement with the St. Croix Foundation led to his designing Sunday Market Square's master plan and the reconstruction of 22A Market Street. The master plan, with its proposed canopy of trees, reconstruction of the well and textured paving, attempts to reestablish the features of this important public, open space.
     
     Located at the northwest corner of the square, this building was severely damaged during Hurricane Hugo, and in the following decade, continued to deteriorate along with most of the properties in the square. The Foundation, recognizing the blight of this area presented major ramifications for the health of Christiansted town and St. Croix, purchased this building and five others with the goal of renovating each one. In doing so, the square, infested with illegal activity and dilapidated buildings, would once again be the charming place it once was.
     Clearly, the reconstruction of 22A Market Street poses a significant step in the redevelopment of the square because of its prime location. Whether driving in or out of town, this building's prominence is unquestionable. While the building is not part of the historical district, Taylor's new design incorporates such historical details as lime plastered rubble walls, fireproof traditional siding and historic stairways.
     
     Construction has begun on the building and, once completed, will include 2,200 square feet of commercial space on the street level and 2,420 square feet of space on the second floor consisting of two low-income apartments.
     
     Other partners in the reconstruction include the V.I. Government through a $247,600 Community Development Block Grant and $215,000 from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority in the form of low-interest loans and grants. The firm of C/R Contractors was awarded the renovation contract, and according to Taylor, "The new building, along with the terrific governmental support for this project, will set a new model for public, private and nonprofit urban renewal for our historic town centers."