Restoration of historic Cas Debrot begins, with new use planned for 2027

ORANJESTAD — The second phase of the restoration of Cas Debrot at Caya Betico Croes 98 began on Monday, August 31. The project is being supervised by Hoevertsz ArchiDesign N.V., with General Property Services carrying out the work alongside several specialized contractors.

The restoration is expected to be completed in early 2027. Once finished, Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba will move its offices to the upper floor, while the ground floor will be rented to another organization.

Monumentenfonds purchased the building from the Debrot family in 2024, after which it was designated a protected monument. The project is being financed by the Nationaal Restauratiefonds in the Netherlands and Aruba Bank.

Cas Debrot has played a notable role in Oranjestad’s history. Built around 1929 for Jose Maria “Boy” Debrot and his wife Elia Capriles, the property later served as a residence, commercial space, Hollandsche Bank Unie office, Venezuelan consulate, hardware store, shoe shop and beauty salon.

Its distinctive Latin American Neo-Baroque architecture makes it an important part of Oranjestad’s architectural and commercial heritage.