Juneau residents were able to view large, colorful posters showing what the future development of the city’s waterfront could look like. The meeting was not at the municipal level, but at a local bar in Gallery Walk.
Huna Totem Corporation, a Juneau-based village company that represents Hoonah shareholders — announced in August an agreement with Norwegian cruise lines for the development of what is known as the subport. It’s located next to the U.S Coast Guard Station downtown.
HTC has named the development Aak’w Landing. On Friday night, large, full-color concept designs of what the development could look like were displayed in a backroom at The Crystal Saloon.
The organizers of the event stated that the event was designed to encourage more people to engage with the plans. Russell Dick, Huna Totem CEO, credited Mayor Beth Weldon for the idea.
Dick stated that not everyone tunes in to the Assembly meetings. “So, getting out there and experiencing it in that fashion and listening to people talk about it — what they like and don’t like — is a great way to do it.”
Bluegrass concert-goers in the other room mingled with each other as they scanned the images and enjoyed cocktails. A few people chatted with Huna totem leaders or the architects responsible for the drawings.
John Hillman and his spouse were walking Gallery Walk when John was pulled off the street by the event.
“Walking past, we saw the Huna Totem Sign here. He said that we didn’t know it would be there.
Hillman and his wife, shareholders, popped in.
Hillman said, “Well it’s exciting.” “Finding out what it’s all about and all the details, meeting with the guy who’s planning it, and knowing Russell since he was a young man, and now he leads the charge.”
They sipped wine as they toured the images together with Corey Wall, of Juneau design firm Jensen Yoruba Wall. Wall stated that the firm has been working closely with Huna totem for almost two years.
He stated that the current design will incorporate elements from Norwegian Cruise Lines original plan for the lot.
He said that many people were just curious to know if the project would still be similar after Huna Totem took it over. “And I think people are happy to see that there is still below-grade bus parking and we’ve added the park on top.”
Huna Totem plans to finish construction of a visitor center measuring 10,000 feet and a new cruise ship terminal with a curving trestle in 2025. Wall stated that the landscaping and retail will conceal parking and infrastructure for cruise ships. The company also has plans for 35,000 feet in what it calls “flexspace,” which could include anything from apartments to an sea center. This could be added later.
This is the plan. However, there are many more steps that need to be taken in the public process. You will have more opportunities to provide feedback for a project this large.
Alexandra Pierce, CBJ Tourism Director, stated that the Juneau waterfront was complex. “We must ensure that all uses of our waterfront working waterfront are accommodated.”
The public process will start after Huna Totem Corporation has submitted its request for a conditional permit. The plans will be reviewed by the city, and then the Assembly will decide if they are in compliance with the code. The Assembly will decide if the project can use the city’s tidelands property, or build a new dock.
Pierce stated that it was exciting to see what could happen there. “It’s our responsibility at the city that that site is developed in a positive way for the community.”
Huna Totem Corporation estimates that over 450 people passed through Friday’s event. Cory Wall, an architect, looked around at the designs.
Wall stated that people are excited about the park and that it’s going to be a great attraction for Juneau.
There are more than 12 images showing intricate plans to keep tour busses out of sight and scenic views from large-windowed buildings.
He said, “It appears probably far more complete than it actually is.” It’s still very malleable depending on what feedback we get.
