Sealaska Heritage Institute unveils plans for ‘crown jewel’ arts building in Juneau
Published 6:30 am Saturday, August 8, 2026
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) has released schematics of its proposed “crown jewel” arts building envisioned for the site of Juneau’s City Hall.
The 30,000-square-foot mixed-use facility would encompass three floors, feature glass walls, and be covered in a red formline design. The proposed elements mirror SHI’s Walter Soboleff Building, Atnané Hit (Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus), and its Indigenous Science Building in the city’s designated Heritage Square.
SHI president Rosita Worl said that the project is part of the institute’s efforts to make Juneau the arts capital of the world.
“We are thrilled to unveil our latest proposal to bring more Northwest Coast arts, cultural experiences and economic diversity to Juneau and to further enhance the downtown corridor,” she said.
The space would provide authentic educational, cultural, and art experiences for locals and visitors, and include a Northwest Coast art glass studio. The facility would also offer space to house the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.
The project is dependent on the city electing to sell the building and land to SHI for $1.5 million. The city could instead elect to put the project out to the highest bidder.
If the institute did purchase the land, SHI would have to completely demolish the building, as it is contaminated with asbestos and other toxins inside and below the dilapidated facility.
SHI chief of operations Lee Kadinger said that demolishing the building and decontaminating the site would come with a steep price tag.
“The project would require demolition and removal at considerable cost to SHI,” he said. “The demolition and highly regulated removal and disposal process is estimated to cost in excess of $1 million before construction of a new facility would be possible.”
Kadinger added that the new facility would cost approximately $32 million with current prices, and would be closer to $40 million based on a four-year window to raise capital funds.
SHI would install a landscaped space onsite for locals and visitors while it raises funds to build the facility, similar to when the institute filled the so-called “pit” downtown wile raising money to construct the Walter Soboleff Building.
SHI would also give the city first right of refusal to relocate the Juneau-Douglas City Museum to the second floor of the building, moving it closer to cruise ship docks.
Through community-oriented year-round activities, the facility would also help draw locals to the downtown corridor in off-tourism months, according to SHI, helping to revitalize downtown — a key priority of the City and Borough of Juneau.
SHI is also considering setting aside space for apartments in recognition of local housing needs.
A public hearing will be held on Aug. 17 to take public testimony on the terms of the potential sale.
