CBP inaugurates modernized San Juan Custom House after $65M reno
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has inaugurated a modernized San Juan Custom House after a $65 million renovation project, the agency announced.
The unveiling comes slightly more than two years after the federal agency contracted Framingham, Massachusetts-based Perini Management Services Inc. to repair and renovate the historic building, as News is my Business reported.
In 2014, the San Juan Field Office vacated the complex due to deteriorating conditions caused by the building’s age, continuous exposure to the salty sea air, and damage. In 2017, conditions worsened after hurricanes Irma and María, the agency stated.
“Our partnership with the governments of Puerto Rico and San Juan is important to CBP’s success,” said Pete Flores, acting deputy commissioner of the CBP. “Your support and help during this challenging decade-long renovation project was invaluable to ensuring this day became a reality.”
The 65,000-square-foot facility will accommodate 100 CBP employees and officers.
“Embracing the rich history of Old San Juan, the return of CBP Field Operations to a modernized Custom House is not just a step into the future, but a profound commitment to safeguarding our borders with efficiency and innovation,” said Roberto Vaquero, director of CBP field Oos for Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This symbolic reunion intertwines tradition and progress, echoing the resilience of Puerto Rico while embracing the cutting-edge tools necessary to secure our nation in the 21st century,” he added.
CBP’s Office of Facilities and Asset Management oversaw the construction of this facility, which is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
The San Juan Custom House was designed by Albert B. Nichols, architect and building inspector for the Office of the Supervising Architect of the Department of the Treasury. The first floor and part of the central section were built in 1924. Later, a second floor was added, and construction was completed in 1931.
