Public tender to transform former Esso Lagoen building into boutique restaurant

ORANJESTAD – Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and the Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever has announced a public tender for the redevelopment of the former Esso Lagoen building in downtown Oranjestad into a boutique restaurant.

The project forms part of the government’s broader plan to revitalize the city center and give underused properties a new economic purpose. The government is seeking an experienced strategic partner with the vision to transform the former gas station into a development that adds value to downtown Oranjestad.

According to Wever, the aim is to combine preservation of Aruba’s heritage with investment, innovation and economic activity. The initiative follows other downtown projects, including improvements to Plaza Comercio on Columbusstraat and the restoration of the historic Cas Veneranda.

Proposals will be evaluated on criteria including the quality of the project, integration with existing developments in Oranjestad, economic impact and sustainability. The “Build with Nature” principle will also play an important role, with emphasis on balancing economic growth and environmental protection.

The government is inviting interested parties that meet the requirements to participate in the public tender, which it says will be conducted according to principles of transparency, fair competition and equal opportunity.