VIPA begins demolition of former Cancryn School in St. Thomas

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Port Authority said its contractor has begun the demolition of the former Adelita Cancryn Junior High School property located along Veterans Drive in St. Thomas.

The demolition marks the beginning of phase one of the project to dredge the Charlotte Amalie Harbor to accommodate larger cruise ships at the West Indian Company Dock.

Once cleared, the property will be utilized to store and transport dredged materials from the harbor dredging project, slated to begin next year.

🚧 NOTICE OF DEMOLITION: Cancryn School at Veterans Drive, St. Thomas, will be demolished. Caution advised! Clearance begins Jan. 16, 2026; demolition is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2026. Completion expected by Sept 2026. More info: https://t.co/p0WpP1taeE pic.twitter.com/JaIr4WGap0

— Virgin Islands Port Authority (@usviports) December 22, 2025

Custom Builders has been awarded the contract for the demolition work, which began this week.

The property is now being cleared, and secured fencing with controlled access will be erected. Building clearance and remediation will start on January 16, 2026.

Demolition of the structures on the property is scheduled to begin on February 7, 2026. The daily working hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

The demolition project is expected to be completed by late September 2026.

VIPA advises the public to exercise caution when navigating the area and adhere to all posted signs. For questions about the project, please contact VIPA’s public relations office at (340) 774-1629 or email info@viport.com.