Charlotte Amalie’s Historic Ball Properties: Sales and Renovations Timeline

Written by Team at Fifteenand9Main

If you haven’t kept up with what’s happening in downtown Charlotte Amalie lately, you might not be aware of the ongoing transformation. Numerous commercial building renovations are underway, and new luxury residences are rising alongside them — one chapter of these properties’ history closing as another begins.

Vernon Ball, an author, highly decorated fighter pilot, and elite backgammon player who once played with Muhammad Ali, acquired eight historical structures in Charlotte Amalie: Blackbeard’s Castle, Hotel 1829, Britannia, Haagensen House, Villa Notman, Mendlicott Estate, Bankhus, and the Magens-Pedersen Estate. In 2015, Vernon and his son Michael decided to list the properties for sale, aiming to sell them as a package.

Unfortunately, Vernon passed away in April 2017, and shortly thereafter, the island was hit by two category-five hurricanes, causing significant damage to many of the properties.