Discover the past in all its glory and ugliness.
Welcome to 13W, a unique space in all the Virgin Islands. What was once a lowly and humble home for slaves and servants is now a vibrant cultural destination celebrating the rich history and culture of St. Thomas.
Located in downtown Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, 13W was all but abandoned for decades, left to rot and deteriorate. Possibly a fitting ending for a home that housed enslaved people.
But it is also possible that the inhabitants of this structure found joy and peace and love inside these walls. Not every moment was of despair. There was dancing and music and friendships and fun. How else can you survive if you don’t find a way to smile in adversity.
So instead of focusing on the suffering of a people or place, why not focus on the good that came from these people. We hope to honor their memory and lives by turning their home into a place of laughter, joy and amazing memories.
Steeped in history, the property is well over 200 years old. The current structure dates back to around 1830.
Old rubble masonry walls throughout highlight the indoor space. The high ceilings are most likely made of old ship boards – from retired vessels from the Golden Age of Sail.
In a small courtyard sits a one-of-a-kind double, outdoor cooking hearth used by the many people living here.
But what makes the property magical is the lush fauna in the private gardens behind the building. The inhabitants would have enjoyed their free time relaxing, tending to their gardens and raising small animals. Today, you can also sit and relax in this unique tropical setting right in the heart of Charlotte Amalie.
When the property was purchased by the current owners, the walls, roof and grounds were falling into ruin. Trees grew in the walls and roof. Water poured in to many openings. The backyard was filled with waste of every imaginable type. Car engines, glass, discarded metal, broken building tiles, nails, plastic silverware, rotting wood were among the most commonly encountered with almost every pull of a rake. A few dumpsters full of garbage and the surface was presentable.
I’m Island Mike and my wife is Amber. We are a husband and wife team that have been planning events for years and have single-handedly hosted more events than anyone in the islands – from small weddings and receptions to lavish corporate parties…and even a soccer banquet or two.
During the pandemic, when events were slowing to a crawl, we got bored and a bit nervous about our careers. So we bought an old, forgotten building. A structure that was lost to time, abandoned and destined for condemnation. But a fateful moment occurred when we visited the property. Hidden behind walls of garbage and debris we saw glimpses of the brick walls. And then there was the tiny courtyard where there sat an incredible specimen – an outdoor, double oven. It was crumbling and left to rot but we knew it must be a relic of a rich history.
So, being slightly delusional and delirious we bought the place. And spent the better part of 3 years putting her back together. She is a lovely building with the elegance that only can be earned with time. And her gardens are unique in the islands for their grace in an urban setting.
So when you visit you’ll get to get a sense of the space and lives of those enslaved people that called 13 Wimmelskafts home.
