Step Streets
Step streets are a defining and distinctive feature of St. Thomas, rarely found elsewhere in the Caribbean. These stair-like streets date back to the earliest days of our historic downtown, when many of the roads laid out on paper by town planners in Denmark were impractical for the island’s steep hillsides and unsuitable for horse-drawn transport. Reinterpreted by skilled local tradesmen, these routes were thoughtfully adapted into pedestrian pathways, constructed as flights of steps that responded naturally to the terrain. Today, they stand as enduring examples of ingenuity, blending European planning with Afro Caribbean craftsmanship.
Bred Gade Renovation
Original rendering for renovations of Bred Gade
From the start
Added stairs to the gut at the bottom of Bred Gade
Yellow brick added to match the colonial era Flensborg bricks
Blue bit, a locally sourced stone, added to create a stable tread and riser for pedestrian traffic
Another angle
Addition of traditional rubble construction and stable treads and risers with reconstruction and restoration of stone and brick finishes.
Work completed as of June 5, 2024
Update Beautiful handrails added to the sides of Bred Gade. Thank you to Carlos Iron Works and the donations and hard work from our community to make our visions become a reality!
New solar lighting installed
Bred Gade Renovation
Danish for "Wide Street", Bred Gade is our most recent accomplishment in renovation of historic district step streets. This mid-town, stepped pathway is near Bakery Square and the St. Thomas Reformed Church. It links Nye Gade (New Street) with Bjerge Gade (Mountain Street) up above. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our community and abroad throughout this journey. This scope of work included the demolition of damaged sections, removal of debris, and the replacement of compromised concrete foundations. The restoration was completed with carefully selected stone and brick paving, thoughtfully installed to reflect and preserve the original historic character. From the generous partnership and grant from Solarfunden in Denmark and the State Historic Preservation Office, to the meaningful contributions of our dedicated St. Thomas community, we’re almost complete with our goals for Bred Gade. While the masonry work is now complete, there is still more to be done along Bred Gade. The restored step street now calls for essential additions like thoughtful landscaping and signage, which will ensure both historic preservation and natural beauty. With your continued support, we carry this momentum forward, revitalizing the historic district of Charlotte Amalie and restoring these steps as living, breathing spaces at the heart of our community once again. Currently, we are on the final phase with Bred Gade. The addition of a traditional bronze plaque to inform pedestrians of the history and contributors is our last final goal. Together, we have the opportunity to build something lasting and vibrant through maintenance like step street cleanups and plant ups that the St. Thomas Historical Trust hosts every month.
Bred Gade before any renovations around 2017, after two major hurricanes Irma and Maria.