JUNEAU (AP) — Legislative leaders are pursuing the idea of converting a building across the street from the Capitol into 33 apartments that could be used for lawmakers and staff during sessions in Juneau.
The Juneau Community Foundation last year donated the building to the Legislature. The three-story building currently is used for private offices and for COVID-19 testing for lawmakers and staff. Tenants have been told their leases will not be renewed.
Estimates prepared for the Legislative Council, a panel of House and Senate leaders, suggested it could cost $5.5 million for design, permitting and construction to convert and upgrade the building. The plans propose a mix of one-bedroom and studio or efficiency units with shared laundry facilities on each of the three floors.
The idea stems from complaints that finding places to stay, particularly during summer special sessions in Juneau, can be challenging.
Jessica Geary, executive director of the Legislative Affairs Agency, said the 9-5 council vote on Feb. 23 was to approve a project estimate of up to $5.5 million in existing capital funds, a figure that includes $250,000 to complete the design and compile bid documents.
Once a request for proposals is issued and a recommendation is made on a winning bid, that would come back to the council for consideration, she said.
Rental payments are expected to cover the building’s maintenance costs, though those are not fully known yet. Legislators are expected to have first call on the apartments, which could also be offered to staff.
Some legislators suggested that the apartments could be made available when not in use for short-term rentals, as a way to help cover maintenance costs. Others suggested that wasn’t the main reason behind the plan.
“The main thing is having something available for us when we’re called back in special sessions,” said House Majority Leader Chris Tuck, of Anchorage.
While the idea came from a legislative subcommittee, some council members said the process felt rushed. Dillingham Rep. Bryce Edgmon questioned the level of demand for “dorm-like housing” for legislators.
Senate President Peter Micciche, of Soldotna, questioned the cost estimates prepared by the architectural firm. He noted the unpredictability of construction costs given inflation and supply-chain issues.
“It’s not a detailed budget; it’s not a detailed cost estimate, but it’s a project budget that we think is a reasonable target,” Juneau architect Wayne Jensen said in response.
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