ODR and JFL Execute Contract for New Hospital Construction

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) has executed a contract for the demolition and reconstruction of the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (JFL).

The contract awarded to Suffolk Construction signals the start of the preconstruction phase valued at $3.4M. This includes optimizing designs, conducting constructability reviews, and performing value engineering. This phase will last for twelve months and will occur simultaneously with demolition, which is expected to start before the year’s end. The completion of this phase will clear the path for an estimated five-year construction period.

ODR Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien stated, “Rebuilding the territory’s hospitals remains one of the highest priorities of the recovery, and the execution of this contract signifies a pivotal step forward in this effort.” The Director added, “The Office of Disaster Recovery looks forward to continued collaboration with all stakeholders to build a state-of-the-art facility that meets current industry standards.”

The new JFL will be designed as a multi-story, resilient, energy-efficient, and renewable-energy-conscious facility. Inside, the hospital will offer a comprehensive range of medical services, including but not limited to trauma care, NICU, behavioral health, women’s services, diagnostic services, and rehabilitation. The design also allows for future growth, making sure the facility can adapt to the changing needs of the community.

“This project centers on the patients, families, and healthcare professionals who depend on a safe, advanced environment to provide and receive high-quality care. We are proud to move forward in partnership with Suffolk Construction to strengthen and sustain healthcare services for current and future generations,” said Darlene A. Baptiste, Chief Executive Officer of JFL. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, the Office of Disaster Recovery, and the Territorial Hospital Redevelopment Team (THRT) for their leadership, collaboration, and steadfast support throughout this process. Their guidance and coordination have been critical in advancing this transformative healthcare redevelopment project.”

In March 2023, the hospital’s emergency and patient services transitioned to the interim facility, JFL-North, which offers 24-hour emergency and patient services to residents and visitors through a network of modular units funded by FEMA. The THRT is currently engaged in completing ancillary projects to prepare the site for demolition and construction. This includes the completion of Cassava Gardens in Castle Coakley in the third quarter of 2026, which will serve as office space and accommodate cold storage requirements currently held in the old hospital building. Furthermore, to support the modular facility during the demolition of the existing hospital, a 200-space parking lot and storage facility located on a five-acre parcel east of JFL-North is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026.

“This contract marks a significant milestone in the rebuilding efforts for the healthcare infrastructure of the Virgin Islands. It is the culmination of a tremendous undertaking by numerous internal and external stakeholders. We look forward to delivering a modern, resilient, and sustainable hospital for both residents and visitors to the island of St. Croix,” said THRT Executive Director Darryl A. Smalls, PE.
The Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery remains committed to supporting the residents of the Virgin Islands through recovery and reconstruction efforts, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for the Territory.

The Office of Disaster Recovery

“Building a Legacy of Resilience”