Having stayed in Marigot many times, including my former apartment in Anse des Sables, I’ve frequently wandered past the old French tourist building and marveled at the intricate design and detailed beauty of the dilapidated structure. I’ve often hoped that the building would be reinstated to its prior glory. And now, it appears that is exactly what is going to happen.
I stumbled across an article from Souligapost.com that states the old tourist building will be renovated with plans to reopen by early 2026. Unfortunately, I don’t know the history of the building, like when it was built or what it was originally used for, but when I’ve taken the time to closely inspect the building it always felt like there had to be historical significance to it. If you know about the history, please let me know in the comments below. I would love to learn more!
Below is a translation from an article featured in French in Soualiga Post.
The Community’s Living Environment Department has just launched the first renovation works on the old tourist office building, located on the edge of the lagoon, near the Auberge de Mer, in Marigot. Once renovated, this building will house the center for the promotion of culture and intangible heritage of Saint-Martin.
As the project owner and project manager, the COM, owner of the building, has mandated the company Antilles SPS to supervise the public contract divided into six lots, ranging from demolition to structural work, including the repair of the framework and metal roofing, the creation of joinery, and the installation of floor covering, painting, plumbing, electricity and air conditioning.
Four companies will be involved in this major project: Schenatsar for the demolition and structural work (lot 1), Multitoiture for the framework and metal roofing (lot 2), ISO for the woodwork, flooring and painting (lots 4, 5) and CEPI for the plumbing, electricity and air conditioning (lot 6). Please note that lot 3 (aluminum joinery) has not been awarded.
The first phase of the work consists of the renovation of the facades. This project will require several months of restoration by early 2026. The objective is to give new scope to this building which will house the department of cultural development and the preservation of the intangible heritage of Saint-Martin.
