A conditional-use permit for a $150 million development proposed on nearly three acres of Juneau’s downtown waterfront received approval Aug. 7 from the city planning commission.
The action follows the commission’s vote in early July to approve another permit related to the same development for construction of a cruise ship dock located along Gastineau Channel just off Egan Drive as the thoroughfare nears downtown.
The two projects, proposed by Huna Totem Corp., are part of the Alaska Native corporation’s large vision for its downtown waterfront property. The corporation seeks to develop a waterfront pier and cruise terminal — named the Aak’w Landing Project — after Norwegian Cruise Lines donated the 2.9 acres of property to Huna Totem in August 2022. The company had paid the city $20 million for the property in 2019.
In return for giving the property to Huna Totem, the cruise line will get preferential rights to use the dock.
The commission-approved upland portion of the project proposes development of year-round retail, restaurants, a park and underground parking, along with a culture and science center built in partnership with Sealaska Heritage Institute and Juneau’s Native corporation, Goldbelt Inc.
The dock portion of the project has been appealed by Juneau resident and cruise-ship-limit activist Karla Hart. She cited inadequate public notice and environmental analysis in her appeal.
Even with approval from the planning commission, the project will need approval from the assembly for a lease on the city-owned tidelands the corporation plans to use.
Rosita Kaaháni Worl, president of Sealaska Heritage Institute, expressed support for the project and its partnership in the culture and science center incorporated into the design, in a letter sent to the planning commission.
“This builds on the exciting national movement to integrate Indigenous knowledge and science and expands the goal of making Juneau the Northwest Coast Arts Capital,” she wrote. “After decades of the property essentially standing vacant, we strongly support the conditional-use permit and development HTC (Huna Totem Corp.) and its partners are bringing forward. We are proud to be part of that team.”
Huna Totem operates a cruise dock and attractions at Icy Strait Point near Hoonah, and is developing new cruise ship docks in Whittier and in a partnership in Klawock.
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