Monuments

Departments of Public Works * 1939/1949

Category: Oranjestad
Address: Lagoenweg 11/Paardenbaaistraat 2
Year Built: 1939/1949
Open to Public: No
Ownership: Government of Aruba

In 1929, the Department of Public Works (DOW) was established in Aruba. The first DOW office was a small office behind the residence of the first technical officer at the Lagoenweg 5A. In 1939, DOW moved to a new and larger office on the Lagoenweg 11. It quickly became clear that this office was too small for all the departments.

Ten years later DOW built the office at the corner of L.G. Smith Blvd and Paardenbaaistraat. This building initially consisted of one ‘wing’ on L.G. Smith Blvd, later another one was added on Paardenbaaistraat. The main entrance then moved to that side.

In 2008 the Public Works Department moved to a new and larger building. The building on the Paardenbaaistraat remained empty and slowly fell into disrepair.

The restoration of this building began in 2012.

When the restoration is complete, the new building will house the Aruba Ports Authority (APA).

Their offices will be on the second floor, while on the first floor the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) will rent a space to create a Visitor Information Center for visitors from cruise ships.