All shops at Alhambra are closed!

[soccermom17]

I can't find the original post where someone said that two shops were still open but everything is closed including the place to make phone calls! They are gutting the buildings as we speak......just wanted to pass on that info!

[danadog56]

wow, thats a bummer....I liked those shops, any idea what they are planning on doing with that courtyard now ????

[Mr. Ratt]

That is really unfortunate to hear. The little shops (only 2?) were a nice distraction when there was nothing else to do on an evening. Some of us remember when there were 5 or 6 shops and they seemed to be open almost every eve. Here's hoping that the businesses that were there are able to move and carry on elsewhere.

The last I heard about that area was the possibility of a large-ish Chinese restaurant, a buffet sort of thing. But there's been a lot of discussions over the years as to what would happen with the property. I've been inside what was once called the Roseland Ballroom, and it's a really nice venue. I wouldn't mind playing there myself....

[charles]

It is a shame that this is happening however there is one thing that should give comfort to us all. Mr. Alex Niewmyer is the man in charge of DIVI for all things on the island and he has developed a very clear vision n how he wants DIVI to be. As we all know, Alhambra is very much a part of DIVI.

the Alhambra casino, shopping area and Aladdin Theater were all brainchilded by Roger Coster, who was also a man of vision. When it first opened, the shops were packed, the New York Deli was churning out pastrami sandwiches like crazy and the casino was packed as the shows ran one after the other in the theater. It was a mecca of where to be and what to do if you were vacationing and if you were a "Cool" local. I actually remember some noteworthy folks at the Deli wearing Bermuda shorts and Pajama tops. Says something about the munchies doesn't it? The place rocked and it did that very well.
I also noticed work being done outside in the parking lot area. All I can say about DIVI and the work or make-overs that they have done to date is that they are all (in my opinion) in very good taste and not an affront to the surroundings. Divi stuff seems to fit in with Aruba. Granted, the made over tower of the Phoenix is a stretch, but the rest is very nice. The "PURE BEACH" concept is perfect and up until now is not run over by the masses.

Have faith, I feel sure they will end up with something very nice.

be well
charles

[Andrea J.]

when we were there in august all but 2 shops were closed and some construction/renovations were taking place.

in december the same 2 shops were open but i heard they'd be closing in early 2011.

the alhambra renovation project is kind of a mystery.
i have not been able to find a timeline or a "what's it going to be line when done" information.
i have been told by employees that a totally new casino will be there and there will be no shut down at all............i have been told that when the old show room is renovated, the casino games will go in there and the main casino will be worked on.

so, since everything i have heard is from employees or other "non officials", i am believing half.

that phone and internet place did a good business.

[Andrea J.]

charles, isn't the original "divi phoenix tower" a former timeshare place and did not start out as a divi property?

[charles]

You are correct. It wasn't the only tower there. What happened is that the property was left standing still for a long time and when it came time to sell it, the only tower that had value was the one currently standing. The others were torn down. In a streak of genius, they used the materials from the torn down towers to make two large piers (Jetty's) in front of the resort. This was important since there was always a strong current in that particular spot.

Sometime afterwards, they had to treat the sea bottom between the Jetty's since it was not retaining the sand and was constantly digging itself deeper. For this, a special carpet with tiny pliable plastic kooks was used. Kind of like VELCRO (as a poor example) The man who did all of this was a fellow named Peter Desmond. Nice guy, tireless worker and mind of a giant.

That tower has had its trials, however I must say that the inland (not ocean) views from that particular spot are incredible. You see the bird sanctuary as well as having a very clear view of Aruba up through the other coast line. Spectacular.!!!

be well
charles

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

charles, isn't the original "divi phoenix tower" a former timeshare place and did not start out as a divi property?

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Caribbean-tattler

All I can say about DIVI and the work or make-overs that they have done to date is that they are all (in my opinion) in very good taste and not an affront to the surroundings. Divi stuff seems to fit in with Aruba. Have faith, I feel sure they will end up with something very nice.

be well
charles

I am very much in agreement. To see how the Divi and Tamarijn have been transformed by Mr. Alex Niewmyer in the past 9 years not to mention the development of the Divi Links, the man knows his stuff.

[love aruba 99]

Is dunkin donuts still open ??????

[ricky59]

this project has been in the work's for 3 year's, at that time talk was restaurant.