U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. today issued the following statement on the passing of Gerville R. Larsen, a revered architect, historic preservation champion and artist:
“Gerville loved the Virgin Islands in deed, not just in word. He guarded our past with a craftsman’s care and designed our future with an artist’s eye. His work ranged from safeguarding historic streetscapes to mentoring the next generation of designers. He stitched culture, history and community into places we all recognize and cherish.
“I had the privilege of working with Gerville recently as we walked through Christiansted Town, talking through the stories held in those historic buildings and trading ideas for revitalization that respects their soul. Watching him move from facade to facade, naming details most of us overlook and connecting them to our larger cultural narrative, was inspiring. His knowledge was deep, his passion contagious and his commitment unwavering. I am grateful for that time together and for the clarity he brought to how we honor our past while building a stronger future.
“On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the many students and artisans he inspired. We will honor his memory by continuing the work he believed in, preserving what is uniquely ours while building with dignity and purpose.”
Larsen, a sixth generation Crucian, was a registered architect and AIA member who led the Christiansted based design practice Taller Larjas and was widely recognized for his leadership in historic preservation and cultural stewardship in the territory
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Photo Caption: Gerville R. Larsen