About Fifteenand9Main: Revitalizing Historic Charlotte Amalie for Local Businesses and Residents
We're actively seeking local businesses, services, and residents that strengthen the community — not off-island luxury chains.
In March 2026, the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts (CMCArts) signed a long-term lease at Fifteenand9Main — establishing St. Thomas's first CMCArts location in the museum's 30-year history.
Fifteenand9Main is restoring 15 Dronningens Gade and 9 Wimmelskaft Gade — preserving historic Danish architecture while adding modern solar infrastructure, downtown apartments, and prime Main Street commercial bays.
One Building's Role in Main Street's Future
Fifteenand9Main revitalizes St. Thomas by combining heritage preservation with modern development, attracting year-round businesses and residents, addressing housing needs, and strengthening the local economy.
The Opportunity We Saw
We believed that the U.S. Virgin Islands offered a tremendous opportunity to modernize while preserving its historic character. Investing here provides the benefits of the U.S. legal system and currency, combined with the momentum of downtown Charlotte Amalie's ongoing revitalization.
Overcoming Key Island Challenges
Securing 15 Dronningens Gade and 9 Wimmelskaft Gade after a two-year search across historic Charlotte Amalie.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr.'s debt restructuring funded the public pension system, stabilizing credit markets and encouraging private investment.
Overcoming island utility instability by integrating an on-site solar microgrid across all commercial and residential units.
Looking to Lease Downtown?
Whether you are looking for a walkable downtown apartment or prime Main Street commercial space next to CMCArts, schedule a walkthrough to see our restored spaces.
Finding 15 Dronningens Gade
Our search for historically significant real estate in Charlotte Amalie led us to the properties of iconic St. Thomas figure Lon Schwarz, who once operated the famous Jolly Roger pipe store at 15 Main. The transaction connected 15 Dronningens Gade on Main Street to 9 Wimmelskaft Gade on Back Street.
"Very interesting renovation on Main Street downtown St. Thomas VI. As an artist and daughter of a famous architect, I very much appreciated reading all about it and will be looking forward to the final touches of this historical building."
— Silvia Eva Kahn, Artist & Architect's Daughter
Bringing Resident-Focused Retail Back
Fifteenand9Main is dedicated to creating spaces for locally owned businesses, creative boutiques, and culinary ventures. Anchored by the CMCArts Museum and Museum Shop, the property bridges the gap between cruise visitors seeking authentic culture and local residents looking for downtown commerce.
Solar Energy & Danish Roof Rebuild
During renovation, our team rebuilt the iconic Danish-style hip roof to meet modern hurricane codes while maintaining historic character. On top of this roof, we installed a comprehensive solar energy microgrid.
This solar network connects directly to each residential apartment, reducing utility costs and providing operational continuity during grid outages.
Leadership Team
Michael and Catarina Donohue
Managing PartnersIn St. Thomas, entrepreneurs Michael and Catarina met with David and Carol to begin their property search. In addition, Michael and Catarina organized a successful pickleball tournament at the St. Thomas Yacht Club in both 2023 and 2024, which is scheduled to return in November 2025.
David and Carol Shear
Managing PartnersAfter a lengthy career as a surgeon, David developed an interest in property development. Carol utilized the skills gained from her work with Catholic Charities to navigate government regulations and obtain approvals from the US Department of the Interior. David is also on the Board of CMCArts.
📰 Project Recognition & Media Coverage
View All Press Features & Project Recognition ↗
Featured in The St. Thomas Source, KeyCrew Journal, and national historic preservation publications for adaptive reuse and tax credit leadership.
Start Your Main Street Journey
Ready to learn more about apartment leases, retail bay availability, or private event bookings?