The Daily News Of The Virgin Islands

ARCHITECT SAYS: Group Would Build Largest Hotel If Government Will Put In Road

Failure to get an appropriation for public utilities leading to its boundaries has temporarily halted plans for construction of the largest hotel in the Virgin Islands.

To be located three-quarters of a mile south of Frederiksted, the hotel site would include such other features as lots for possible construction of 108 homes, four garden apartments and a yacht club marina.

The land is currently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Claude Markoe but Crenshaw and his partners have an option to purchase it as soon as they decided to start construction, he said.

T. T. Crenshaw, St. Thomas architect and one of three partners in the venture, asked the Legislature Thursday for an appropriation to build a road leading to the edge of the 128-acre site and run in sewer and water lines to the same boundaries.

Crenshaw was told by Sen. Walter I. M. Hodge (Ind.-St. Croix) that 'the government would probably assist in providing utilities' once the project started. Until actual work is begun, Hodge added, he felt no appropriation could be granted and the other members of the Legislature agreed.

Crenshaw, who said the partners had hoped to begin construction in 'about two months,' did not comment on what the group's next move would be.

H. K. Kerr of Syracuse, N.Y., and W. P. Iverson of San Juan are the other partners.

The Virgin Isle Hilton, St. Thomas, is the largest hotel in the islands now with 200 rooms. Grapetree Bay Hotel at Christiansted is listed as the largest on St. Croix with 105 rooms.