After years of abandonment, the first concrete steps toward restoring the former DOW building on Paardenbaaistraat have officially begun. A group of workers from a private company contracted by the Government of Aruba has started a full cleanup of the long-neglected structure.
Workers on site explained that while the exact timeline for the work is uncertain due to the scale of deterioration, progress is already visible. The building had been abandoned for a long time, and despite efforts to move forward steadily, the amount of work required remains significant.
At this stage, there is still no official confirmation regarding the building’s future purpose once the restoration is completed. However, according to information shared by workers, reconstruction, renovation, or restoration activities are expected to move forward quickly, with the intention of officially starting the main restoration phase in January.
It is worth noting that a previous government had developed a plan for the site in collaboration with the Aruba Tourism Authority and the Aruba Ports Authority, with the latter reportedly expected to finance a large portion of the project. Despite these plans, progress stalled for various reasons.
Over time, the abandoned building became a source of complaints from residents, tourists, and nearby business owners due to its poor appearance and unpleasant odors. The building holds historical value, having played an important role in Aruba’s infrastructure development over several decades before operations moved to the newer facility in Sabana Blanco.
There is hope that the current government’s renewed attention to the former DOW building—often referred to by locals as “DOW bieu”—will finally bring the long-delayed project to completion. Workers currently focused on removing debris, dirt, and damage caused by nesting pigeons suggest that a major project is now underway.
Any positive development surrounding the site is being welcomed, as its restoration is seen as a meaningful step forward for Aruba.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/por-fin-prome-paso-pa-drecha-edificio-antes-dow-na-paardenbaaistraat-a-cuminsa
