Walter I.M. Hodge Redevelopment

The Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion Redevelopment Project was a $71 million initiative aimed at revitalizing a 14-acre master-planned community on St. Croix, which suffered extensive damage from hurricanes in 2017. The project focused on rehabilitating 250 affordable housing units across 21 buildings, including the transformation of apartment interiors, exteriors, and communal spaces. J. Benton Construction, LLC oversaw the phased relocations of existing residents, implementing new roofs, façade treatments, landscaping improvements, and modern finishes for kitchens and bathrooms. Additional upgrades included solar PV, CCTV security, emergency generators, EnergyStar appliances, and LED lighting.

The Senior Project Manager played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this redevelopment. Relationships with local vendors and subcontractors, along with a strategic alliance with the Owner, were instrumental in driving the project’s progress. The initiative also emphasized community engagement, with Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) & MDG, project owner, committed to local outreach, training, employment, and contracting opportunities, including job fairs and small business workshops.

The project’s original estimated completion was scheduled for December 2024, but the project was completed ahead of schedule in September 2024. With a focus on sustainability and resiliency, the redevelopment aimed to provide modern, secure, and energy-efficient housing for the residents of the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion.