Aruba’s Department of Economic Affairs (Departamento di Asuntonan Economico) is on the move this week, relocating from its current offices in the Sun Plaza Mall to the newly renovated and iconic Cas Veneranda building on Wilhelminastraat. The move, which had been previously announced, marks a significant step in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Oranjestad.
The relocation process will take place over the course of the entire week, running from Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8, 2026. During this transition period, the department’s services to the public will be temporarily unavailable as staff work to transfer equipment, files, and operations to the new location at Wilhelminastraat 7.
The department is expected to reopen its doors to the public on Monday, May 11, 2026, operating from its new and improved facilities inside the beautifully restored Cas Veneranda. The historic building, which has undergone extensive renovation, will also house a restaurant, creating a vibrant mixed-use space in the heart of the capital.
Department officials have issued an advance apology for any inconvenience the temporary closure may cause to the public during the relocation week. They have encouraged residents and business owners who may need economic affairs services to plan accordingly and address any urgent matters either before the move begins or after the department resumes normal operations at the new location.
Cas Veneranda has long been recognized as one of Oranjestad’s most beloved landmark buildings. The extensive renovation project aimed to preserve the building’s historic character while modernizing its interior to accommodate contemporary government office needs. The result is a stunning blend of Aruban heritage and functional workspace that will serve the department and the public for years to come.
The relocation of the Department of Economic Affairs to Cas Veneranda is part of the broader government strategy to bring key services and activity back into the downtown Oranjestad corridor. By placing economic affairs staff in a prominent Wilhelminastraat location, the government hopes to increase foot traffic in the city center and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the capital’s commercial district.
Employees have expressed enthusiasm about the move to the fully renovated building, which offers a significantly improved working environment compared to the previous Sun Plaza Mall location. However, some staff members have already raised practical concerns about the availability of parking in the busy downtown area, an issue that has long affected both government workers and visitors to central Oranjestad.
The move to Cas Veneranda represents a tangible result of Aruba’s investment in preserving its cultural heritage while simultaneously modernizing public infrastructure. The Wilhelminastraat location places the department in close proximity to other key government offices and commercial establishments, creating greater convenience for citizens conducting business with multiple agencies.
As the Department of Economic Affairs settles into its new home, the government continues to encourage the public to visit the renovated Cas Veneranda and experience firsthand the careful restoration work that has breathed new life into one of Oranjestad’s most cherished historic buildings.
