Restoration of Cas Debrot Begins

The project is being managed by Hoevertsz ArchiDesign N.V. General Property Services is serving as the primary contractor responsible for the execution of the restoration work, alongside a construction team comprising Protec, Hecom, Smart Systems, CCC Plumbing, Emre Carpentry, and Abeso.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2027. Upon completion, the Aruba Monuments Foundation (Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba) will relocate its offices to the second floor, while the ground floor will be leased to another organization.

In 2024, the Aruba Monuments Foundation acquired the building from the Debrot family, after which it was officially designated as a protected monument by the Monuments Bureau. The project is financed by the National Restoration Fund in the Netherlands and Aruba Bank N.V.

History of House Debrot

The late Jose Maria (Boy) Debrot was a businessman from Bonaire who decided to settle in Aruba with his parents following the island's economic boom after the arrival of the oil refinery. Upon arriving in Aruba in 1929, they opened a store at Nassaustraat 94, directly adjacent to the parcel where House Debrot would later be built. 

The store operated under the name E.F. Debrot Sucs Inc., named after his father, Eduard Ferdinand Debrot. Their import and export business in Aruba sold items such as rum, gin, jukeboxes, office furniture, and air conditioners.

In 1929, Jose Maria married Elia Capriles from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, and the couple embarked on an extended honeymoon in Europe. Construction of their family home, combined with a commercial space, likely began during this period and was completed upon their return. Once finished, the house was furnished with pieces purchased in Europe. The Greek painter John Pandellis (1896–1965) painted the story of Little Red Riding Hood on the bedroom walls for their sons, Edward and Oswald, though it was unfortunately painted over when the property was later rented out. The Debrot family resided in the house until 1941, before moving to Venezuela during World War II.

Over time, the building underwent several modifications and played an important role in the commercial life of Oranjestad, serving as offices for Hollandsche Bank Unie, the Venezuelan Consulate, Debrot's hardware store, Nassau shoe store, Theresita beauty salon, and more.

In 1950, the ground floor became the office for Hollandsche Bank Unie N.V., while the Venezuelan Consulate remained located on the second floor until the 1970s.

The current architecture reflects an impressive Latin American Neo-Baroque style. The original layout featured a front balcony with double doors, three sets of double doors on the ground floor, and one set of double doors leading to the upper floor. On the west side, there was a beautiful rose garden with an ornate iron fence.