Devon House, one of the most popular historical landmarks in Kingston. RESTORATION WORK on Devon House, a section of which was gutted almost a year ago, is expected to be completed by May. The work was undertaken after a new management team was installed in May 2002.
Working with a $30 million allocation from the Government, Executive Director of the Devon House Development Company, Glendon Nam, said the major emphasis has been on infrastructure.
According to Mr. Nam there were three main components of the refurbishing project including the building, the bathroom and fire damage restoration and the upgrading of the existing bathrooms.
He pointed out that to date, two new bathroom blocks have been established. These consist of a female bathroom with six toilets and six wash basins; a male bathroom with five toilets, two urinals and six wash basins. He said $13.3 million has already been spent on this aspect of the project while $3 million has been spent on upgrading of the existing bathroom facilities.
Other capital works on which $2.5 million was spent, includes the rehabilitation of a well, and the restoration of the Great House. He explained that the front facade of the Great House building has been completed and the section of the roof most badly worn have been replaced.
The Executive Director said there were also plans to launch a public education campaign to educate Jamaicans on how to care, respect and treat the premises. "It is public property, but it is there for them to enjoy. So we want to encourage responsible behaviour and for people to take pride in the property."
He stated also that the parking lots have been under stricter management and some sections are cordoned off at certain times. "It's no longer a free for all. The place is cleaner and there is consistent maintenance of the grounds," he said.
Mr. Nam noted that plans are also afoot to develop the east lawn to be used for weddings and receptions.
The Executive Director said that although major refurbishing would be completed in May and work on the fire-damaged section set for completion in March, general restoration and maintenance would be ongoing.
"Restoration is an ongoing process. It's not a quick fix but it should be completed by May," he said.
Devon House was built in 1881 by Jamaica's first millionaire, George Stiebel.
