Civil Registration Hall, Oranjestad

Civil Registration Hall, also known as the Eloy Arends House, stands as both a historical and functional landmark in Oranjestad. Constructed beginning in 1922, it was originally designed as a residence for Dr. Jacobo Eloy Maria Arends and his fiancée, Maria Monica Laclé. The architect, Chibi Wever, incorporated South American Neo-Baroque influences into the design, creating a structure that blends harmoniously with its surroundings.

The house features sliding doors that allow for flexible use of interior spaces, reflecting a thoughtful and practical approach to design. Over the years, the Eloy Arends House has served many purposes — including as a doctor’s and dentist’s office, a restaurant, and, more controversially, as the headquarters of the People’s Electoral Movement (MEP) in 1985.

A fire in 1993 caused significant damage to the building, leading to a period of neglect. In 1997, it was carefully restored and repurposed as the official site for civil registration services.

Today, the Civil Registration Hall is also a popular venue for weddings, giving it a practical and social function while keeping the historic Eloy Arends House an active part of Oranjestad’s community.