Nightlife

Jenny's on the Boulevard- Photo by Jason Bain

 This building was chosen as Jenny's is an example of some form gentrification. little is known about the previous occupation of the building but it now serves as one of the most popular restaurants in Trinidad and Tobago. Its intricate architecture is reminiscent of old Victorian style buildings and it is kept in impeccable condition as they must adhere to health codes for their restaurant. Apart from this, it is indeed one of the best kept restoration projects in the country and it poses as an inviting figure, with its bright colors and lush greenery. 

Ariapita Avenue- photo by Jason Bain

 If you need somewhere to, as we Trinis say, "lime'', Ariapita Avenue is the place to be. it is a strip located in the heart of Port-of-Spain. This strip is lined with some of the oldest (and newest) buildings in the capital, most of which consist of bars, restaurants and clubs, but there are also businesses and even residences located along the strip. It is definitely the hub of nightlife in Trinidad. Those buildings that heaven't been demolished or reconstructed show evidence of having similar architecture as the Magnificent Seven located around the Queen's Park Savannah. 

Ariapita Avenue- Photo by Jason Bain

Read all about it.

The National Library of Trinidad and Tobago can be found across the street from the Red House. It is a state of the art modern facility that is the main branch of several other National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) libraries across Trinidad and Tobago.

The National Library Complex has included the old fire station into its structure. The fire station was built in 1896/1897 and renovated in 2000. The fire station was converted into a theater for the Trinidad Theater Workshop for 10 years. After the TTW moved, the building was incorporated into the current library complex and is an excellent example of preservation of buildings by changing the uses of what the building was originally designed for. 

Old Fire Station and NALIS Complex. Photo by Jason Bain.

There is an old story that back in the 1960's the building was condemned however when the demolition crew went to work, their tools bounced off the solid stonework and the building was left untouched.

References

NALIS: National Library Old Fire Station. Buzz.tt. Accessed on 10/04/15. https://buzz.tt/venue/nalis-national-library-old-fire-station-927

The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS). Accessed on 

01/04/15. http://www.nalis.gov.tt/AboutUs/tabid/56/Default.aspx?PageContentID=10

Old Fire Brigade Station. Through The Lens, Trinidad and Tobago. 2005. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://ttltt.com/architecture/old_fire_brigade_station.php

Tourism Development Company. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/system/creatives/685/original/historical_final.pdf

Retail Dominance

Trincity Mall- Photo by Andre Marcano 

 Trincity Mall is located in east Trinidad, and is the largest and most popular shopping center in Trinidad and Tobago, whose customers enjoy a combination of shopping, dining and entertainment areas. Trincity Mall's major attractions include Bootleggers, Caribbean Cinemas and Asian Buffet, not to mention the various stores that rage from household appliances to household products. Its location on the Churchhill Roosevelt Highway and close proximity to Piarco Airport makes it the dominant retail outlet in Trinidad.

Trincity Mall- Photo by Andre Marcano

References: 

http://www.premiermallstt.com/premier_mall_trincity.htm

Stay the Night.

Being the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, a luxurious hotel such as the Hyatt is a must. The city life calls for a place such as this, people from all over the world come to Port-of-Spain for various purposes and where else would they stay but the Hyatt?

Hyatt Entrance. Photo by Jason Bain.

Though its is almost right across the road from the Crown Plaza Hotel, it is seen as more extravagant than most hotels in Trinidad and Tobago and thus, more expensive. The hotel and waterfront boasts a beautiful sea-side view like no other and is almost at the heart of major commercial activity in the city.

The Waterfront. Photo by Jason Bain.

Trinidad and Tobago has a blooming tourism sector, especially during the Carnival period in February as well as the colder winter period when foreigners flock to soak up our warmth. due to this, the country needs to have facilities to accommodate a high influx of guests.

The Hyatt. Photo by Jason Bain.

The Cover Up.

As time goes by, buildings deteriorate. This is especially seen on  buildings that are over a century old. Rather than knocking them down, these heritage sites are restored. Restoration work is currently being done on a few of these older buildings around Port-of-Spain, two of which are the Red House and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 

The Red House

The Red House is the seat of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago. The foundation of this building was laid in February of 1844 on the western side of what was formerly Brunswick Square, known today as Woodford Square. designed by Mr. Richard Bridgens in a Beaux-Arts style which is similar to buildings such as the Water Company Palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The building was painted red in celebration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and was then on referred to as the Red House. The Red House believed by many to be burnt to the ground, was only partially destroyed during the 1903 water riots. The structure itself remained intact and was then refurbished and reopened in 1907.

Restoration work being done on the Red House. Photo by Jason Bain.

Restoration works today can be seen clearly, a new roof has been erected above the existing structure like a sort of cover (hence the title) to shelter it from further deterioration. The discovery of human bones that date back to between 430AD to 1390AD in the foundation during refurbishment in 2013 have caused delays in the completion of the Red House.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The first Catholic church of Port-of-Spain was built by in 1781. Then in 1816, under the watch of Governor Sir Ralph Woodford, a new church, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, was erected west of where the first stood. The cathedral was built to facilitate the growing and predominantly Catholic population.


The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception takes the shape of a Latin cross and built from metal made in the local Laventille Quarry as well as iron frames for doors and windows that came from England.

Restoration on this building is of major significance since it holds major religious sentiment. It contains the remains of past archbishops in its crypts as well as historical artifacts. The aim of the church to raise 40 million dollars over 10 years for restoration of the cathedral as well as other small churches.

Restoration work on the cathedral. Photo by Jason Bain.

Unlike Greyfriar's church, which was destroyed for the sake of profit, restoration work being done on buildings that are important as these shows that heritage within Trinidad and Tobago still holds an important place in our culture.

Restoration timeline

Year 1:    Emergency works; clerestory rose windows and roof

Year 2:    External works – repair exterior decorative mouldings; repoint stone and brick walls, doors,                 windows, arches

Year 3:    Refurbish stained-glass windows; remove portland cement from architraves and sills;                           refurbish timber decorative panels on trusses; construct new timber mezzanine floors;                           plumbing and electrical repairs

Year 4:    Install air conditioning, sound, video, lighting and security; repair and replace memorabilia;                 restore sanctuary; reinstate main altar; refinish floors; new baptism font

Year 5:    Landscaping; fencing; driveways and car park; external lighting; repair organ

References


MacLean, Geoffry. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. 2010. Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://citizensforconservationtt.org/main/index.php/builtherit/powbuilt/97-cathedral-of-the-immaculate-conception

Pickford-Gordon, Lara. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Crumbling. 2010. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://newsday.co.tt/news/0,129414.html

Raymond, Judy. Restoration of the Red House. 2011. Trinidad Express Newspapers. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/Restoration_of_the_Red_House-122786248.html

Raymond, Judy. The Red House: 150 years of history. 2013. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/Restoration_of_the_Red_House-122786248.html

Taylor, Caroline. Saving the soul of the city. Issue 112. Caribbean Beat Magazine. Accessed on 10/04/15 http://caribbean-beat.com/issue-112/saving-soul-city#axzz3WvGpivOw

Tourism Development Company. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/system/creatives/685/original/historical_final.pdf

Trinidad and Tobago Parliament. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.ttparliament.org/about.php?mid=37

Urban Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago(Udecott).2015. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/restoration_of_the_red_house/

Flower Power

N.A.P.A- Photo by Jason Bain

The National Academy for the Performing Arts, also known as N.A.P.A, is located in the heart of our nation's capital, Port-of-Spain, obliquely opposite the North and Grand stands. NAPA is the home for the development of and the home for the performing arts, focusing mainly on our national instrument, the steel pan. NAPA was constructed to facilitate state-of-the-art acoustics by enhancing the quality of the sound with its 100 foot high points. At eye level the facility doesn't show it, but the structure screams national pride as the architectural design of NAPA is that of the Chaconia, Trinidad and Tobago's national flower. 

NAPA plays an important role in Trinidad and Tobago's plans for development as it features a wide arsenal of portals for the enjoyment of the performing arts, both for viewing performances, learning and teaching. 

The facility features: 

• A 1500 seat performance hall, designed to heighten acoustics
• Two Practice halls
• Teaching rooms
• Advanced light and sound technology 
• Stages that have been designed to facilitate pannists and other forms of performances
• Accommodation for visiting performers
• Aesthetic pleasures including greenery, seating areas and water features. 
• parking 

The facility is one of two centers for the development of performing arts, the other center is located in south Trinidad and is known as the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, or SAPA. It was officially opened to the public in 2012. 

S.A.P.A.- Source: artsandculture.gov 

Both facilities are dedicated to the development and education of the performing arts, centered around our local flavorful culture.  

References: 

http://artsandculture.gov.tt/index.php/performance/sapa

http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/national_academy_for_the_performing_arts_port_of_spain/

Take A Stand

Grand Stand- Photo by Jason Bain

North Stand- Photo by Jason Bain

"The Stands" as they are so popularly called, are the two stands located in the southern section of the Queen's Park Savannah. Here is where the grand Carnival stage is also located between the two stands, where the parade of the bands in at its highest levels of euphoria. Apart from the main parade of the bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, there also several other shows that can be seen throughout the Carnival Season which include panorama, where most steel-bands in Trinidad and Tobago compete to be known as the best steel-band in the nation, King's and Queen's, where the kings and queens of the mas bands parade across the stage to be judged on the majesty that is their costumes, which are the largest and most elaborate of the entire band.

The stands were not always these giant structures that they are today. They were demolished in 2006  and reconstruction commenced in 2010 in time for the 2011 Carnival season..

 This site was chosen as these structures can be considered idols surrounding Trinbagonian culture and a huge chunk of our Trinbagonian identity. One of the first things people think about when they hear about our beautiful twin islands, is Carnival, and this, being  the Carnival main stage, holds this sense of importance.  

References: 

http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com/?p=1597

http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/forum/webbbs_config.pl?md=read;id=3512

Out with the old, in with the new?

Greyfriar's Church of Scotland. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale.

After a petition by the Trinidad Presbyterian Association for a church to be dedicated to their faith, Greyfriar's Church of Scotland was opened in 1838 and marks the introduction of the Presbyterian religion in Trinidad and Tobago. The site was bought for £300 and ultimately cost £4,858. the architecture seen on this building is Gothic Revival which was a very popular style in the 19th century.

Citizens for Conservation have associated this church with words sung in the National Anthem, "Every creed and race, find and equal place" owing to the fact that Greyfriar's was a place which showed religious and racial tolerance, hosting marriages of couples from all religions and races. A trait that was not shared by many churches of that time.

In 2014, the church was sold to a private owner. Surprisingly, this historical landmark is not listed as a Heritage Site by the National Trust and thus, was partly destroyed. Though the owner was in talks with the National Diversity Minister as well as Citizens for Conservation and said no demolition would be done, the roof and northern wall of the building as well as the church hall was taken down. Further demolition was ceased due to an injunction by the Port-of-Spain City Corporation.

Destruction of Greyfriar's Church. Photo by Michael Bruce.

The blatant disregard for national history and colonial architecture show that modern cities where profit is more important than pride, may not have room for majestic buildings such as these. Across the world, architecture such as this is seen as an opportunity to create something new, while retaining much of the existing structure. A church of this style may have been converted to a restaurant or theater, while keeping the same cultural sentiment.

References:

Citizens for Conservation Facebook Page. Accessed on 10/04/15. https://www.facebook.com/462499293822720/photos/pcb.793311207408192/793311177408195/?type=1&theater

Paul, Anna-Lisa. Move to save ruins of Greyfriars church. 07/01/15. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Accessed on 10/04/15. http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2015-01-07/move-save-ruins-greyfriars-church

Tourism Development Company. Accessed on 10/04/15.

http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/system/creatives/685/original/historical_final.pdf

White Hall (Rosenweg)

White Hall (Rosenweg) - Picture by Jason Bain

One of the Magnificent Seven, a group of mansions located at the northwestern corner of the Queen's Park Savannah, White Hall as it is known today, was built in 1904 by cocoa planter Joseph Agostini. The mansion was built following Mr. Agostini's design, influenced by the Moorish Mediterranean  style and reminiscent of the architecture of Corisca, an island in the Mediterranean Sea where the family originated. 

Construction took approximately three years, and this residence, the largest of the Magnificent Seven, was originally called Rosenweg. The family was unable to meet mortgage payments and so the bank foreclosed. It is said that to this day Joseph Leon Agostini can be still be seen sitting on his porch, mourning his loss. 

Since then the property has changed hands several times, from private owners to U.S. troops, White Hall was purchased by the Trinidad and Tobago government in 1954 and became the office to the Prime Minister at the time, the Honorable Dr. Eric Williams, Trinidad and Tobago's first Prime Minister after independence. Restored in 2009, it remained office of the Prime minister until 2009.  this structure has played crucial roles in  the development of Trinidad and Tobago on a whole being the former office of the Prime Minister. 

The rational behind choosing this building as a member of our blog is that it reminds us of what our local architects and construction staff are capable of- creating this majestic mansion that has been able to withstand the test of time. Being more than a century old, with only general maintenance being conducted on it, this is quite an impressive feat as compared to some of the other Magnificent Seven, which appear to be two shakes away from becoming rubble. The building has an eerie feel to it, especially knowing the stories and sightings if Mr. Agostini after all these years, reminding one of a mansion that can be seen in almost every typical horror movie.

References: 

http://citizensforconservationtt.org/main/index.php/builtherit/magnificent-seven/125-white-hall-rosenweg