The Oranjestad revitalization project is moving into a new phase as the Government of Aruba prepares a public tender to give new life to the historic former Esso Lagoen gas station in the Klip neighborhood.
The project forms part of the government’s broader vision to revitalize central Oranjestad by combining economic activity with preservation of historic buildings and stronger community identity.
Prime Minister Mike Eman announced the initiative together with Minister Geoffrey Wever and Minister Rene Herde in front of the deteriorated property.
Although the building is currently in poor condition, government officials believe it has significant potential to become an attractive and recognizable destination in the city center.
Eman said revitalization should not focus only on infrastructure and commercial activity.
According to him, historic buildings and monuments also play an important role in preserving Aruba’s collective memory and strengthening residents’ connection with their history.
He said economic development should go hand in hand with creating a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
Historic Connection to Klip
The former Lagoen gas station also has personal significance for Eman, who grew up in the Klip area.
He recalled that the property formed part of the daily life of many families in the neighborhood and remains connected to memories shared across generations.
Restoring the building, he said, would therefore create both a new economic opportunity and preserve an important community landmark.
The current idea is to redevelop the property as a boutique restaurant.
The government-owned site will be placed on the market through a public tender process, allowing interested investors and entrepreneurs to submit proposals and feasibility studies.
Open and Transparent Tender Process
Wever said the project is the result of several years of preparation and forms part of ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Oranjestad.
He said the tender process will be open and transparent, with clearly established conditions and evaluation by an independent committee.
The committee is expected to include representation from organizations and departments such as ATA, ATIA, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and DIP.
Submissions will be opened at the Aruba Chamber of Commerce in the presence of a notary.
According to Wever, this procedure is intended to ensure that all participants receive an equal opportunity.
After evaluation, the committee will issue a recommendation on the proposal that best meets the established criteria.
Broader Revitalization Effort
Eman also highlighted the work of Wever and Herde in preparing the legal and infrastructural conditions needed for projects of this type.
Herde said large redevelopment projects can take time, but government is trying to accelerate the process while continuing to respect applicable legal procedures.
The former Esso Lagoen property is one of several projects currently linked to the transformation of central Oranjestad.
Other initiatives mentioned by the prime minister include renovation of the bridge near Wilhelminapark, expansion of the Parliament building, restoration of Fort Zoutman and Willem III Toren, future redevelopment of the former Public Prosecutor’s Office building and the next phase of improvements to Wilhelminastraat.
Private-sector initiatives, including restoration of monuments and other downtown development projects, are also contributing to the process.
The government said the broader Oranjestad revitalization project aims to create a city center with stronger commercial and economic activity while allowing Aruban residents to reconnect with the history, culture and identity of the capital.
