The transformation of Waterfort Plaza takes a monumental step forward this month with the commencement of the dismantling of the iconic, yet deteriorating, Plaza Hotel in Punda, paving the way for a new era in the historic district.
This month marks a significant milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of Waterfort Plaza, as the dismantling of the former Plaza Hotel in Punda officially begins. The process kicked off with a ceremonial event attended by Evelyn Kruithof-Bor, CEO of the Algemeen Pensioenfonds van Curaçao (APC), and Deputy Director Ramiro Griffith. Together, they symbolically removed the fencing and brick wall, unveiling the old entrance of the iconic but deteriorating hotel. The event was witnessed by representatives from the Ministry of VVRP, APC board members, and the contractor MNO Vervat, among others.
This phase of stripping the Plaza Hotel is a crucial step towards the eventual demolition of the building, clearing the way for the comprehensive redevelopment of Waterfort Plaza. Following the successful removal of asbestos in 2022, this stripping phase is vital for ensuring the safety of the surrounding area, particularly the historic Waterfort. Loose and potentially hazardous elements such as windows, doors, and balconies are being removed to prevent any damage from falling debris.
Preparations for this significant task have been thorough. APC, in collaboration with MNO Vervat, has taken extensive steps to ensure the process is carried out safely and sustainably. A rigorous tender process, along with detailed planning and coordination with authorities, has laid the foundation for this work. Sustainability remains a key focus, with plans to reuse and recycle materials through an initiative known as 'MarktPlaza'. Items salvaged from the building will be offered to the public later this year, aligning with APC’s environmental and social governance (ESG) goals.
Safety is paramount during this operation. MNO Vervat is leading the dismantling under the supervision of an expert team, following strict safety protocols and using specialized equipment. This approach ensures the well-being of workers and minimizes disruption to the surrounding community. Temporary closures of nearby parking lots and sections of Waterfortstraat have been implemented to maintain logistics and safety.
The dismantling is expected to be completed by the end of October. Throughout this period, APC will continue to communicate progress and updates to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and minimizing any inconvenience to the public as this major project unfolds.
The Plaza Hotel, once a symbol of luxury and modernity, opened its doors as one of Curaçao's first luxury hotels in the 1950s. It quickly became an iconic landmark in Punda, attracting both international tourists and locals with its prime location overlooking the vibrant St. Anna Bay. The hotel reopened under the management of the Van der Valk family, in the 1990s, bringing their renowned Dutch hospitality to the Caribbean. Van der Valk Plaza closed the doors of the hotel in Punda in 2017 after facing declining occupancy, leading to its eventual closure.