MVA gets keys to historic Japanese Lighthouse, its future home

The Marianas Visitors Authority formally received the keys to its future headquarters at the historic Japanese Lighthouse on Navy Hill last Nov. 10 in a ceremony marking a new chapter for the tourism agency and the preservation of one of Saipan's most recognizable landmarks.

Gov. David M. Apatang led the ceremonial turnover of a giant wooden key to MVA officials, including acting managing director Judy C. Torres, acting board chair Vicky Benavente, and members of the agency's board of directors.

The ceremony also provided guests with a first look at the property, which will serve as MVA's permanent headquarters and a visitor center showcasing the history, culture, and heritage of the Marianas.

Torres welcomed the move, saying it would finally give the agency a permanent home after years of operating from rented office spaces.

"No more tight parking space. No more instability and having to pack up and relocate," she said.

Torres cited cost savings and the property's alignment with MVA's "Far From Ordinary" tourism branding as other benefits of the relocation.

The Japanese Lighthouse, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1934 by the Japanese administration to guide ships navigating into Tanapag Harbor. The historic landmark later served as a U.S. military communication and signal station and, more recently, a restaurant.

Torres said MVA intends to give the historic property a renewed purpose.

"We envision both an office and a visitor center," she said, adding that the facility would allow residents and visitors to connect with the islands' history, heritage, and stories.

She thanked Apatang for supporting the relocation and pledged that MVA would help revitalize the landmark while continuing its efforts to rebuild the tourism industry.

Apatang, meanwhile, said the decision to relocate MVA to the lighthouse stemmed from his concern that the property would deteriorate after the restaurant operating there closed.

"When the business closed up, the restaurant that used to be here decided to close down. I look at this place and say, we don't want this place to just be here waiting around for somebody," he said.

The governor said leaving the property unused would eventually require costly repairs.

He recalled suggesting to then-MVA board chair Warren Villagomez that the agency move from its crowded Beach Road location to the lighthouse, where it could also help promote the Marianas as a tourist destination.

"This is a beautiful place. You can't beat this," Apatang said.

The governor also thanked the Department of Public Lands for helping facilitate the relocation, saying cooperation among government agencies was essential in making meaningful use of public resources.

He expressed hope that the property would become another destination for tourists looking to experience Saipan's history and scenery.

Benavente thanked Apatang for allowing MVA to occupy the property without lease payments, a move that would help reduce the agency's operating expenses.

She also recognized the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Department of Corrections, Saipan Mayor's Office, local artists, and MVA employees who helped prepare the building and its grounds for the turnover.

"This couldn't have happened without all of us working together," she said.

Benavente also credited former MVA board chair Warren Villagomez, who recently returned to the board following Senate acquiescence and his swearing-in by Apatang, for helping advance the relocation plan.

She recalled initially doubting that the agency would be able to acquire the use of the historic property and have it restored for MVA's operations.

The relocation will allow MVA to eventually leave its leased office at the Gold Beach Hotel along Beach Road. Officials, however, did not announce a definite date for the agency's actual move during Tuesday's ceremony.

The lighthouse's planned visitor center is also expected to provide opportunities to showcase local artwork and cultural traditions alongside the agency's tourism promotion activities.

Among those acknowledged during the program was local artist Bernadita “Bern” Rankin, whose father was credited with originating a form of banana printing used in the Marianas.

The ceremony was emceed by Catherine Perry and attended by Saipan Mayor Ramon "RB" Camacho, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Rep. Marissa Flores, a representative of the Japanese Consulate, MVA board members, and officials from several government agencies.

Following the symbolic key turnover, guests toured the property, including the lighthouse itself and an area designated as MVA's future conference room.