Juneau Assembly approves Sealaska Heritage Institute’s $1.5M bid for city hall
Published 10:30 am Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) can now move forward with its “crown jewel” arts building envisioned for the site of Juneau’s City Hall.
On Aug. 18, the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Assembly voted in favor of selling the downtown parcel to SHI, clearing the way for fundraising and construction of a 30,000-square-foot mixed-use facility that would encompass three floors, feature glass walls, and be covered in a red formline design.
The assembly considered whether to accept SHI’s offer to purchase city hall for $1.5 million or put the project out to the highest bidder. The motion to sell to SHI passed with Mayor Beth Weldon and assembly members Ella Adkison, Paul Kelly, Adicia-Hughes Skandijs, Maureen Hall, and Christine Woll voting in favor, while Greg Smith, Neil Steininger, and Nano Brooks voted against it.
Members who made the decision to support SHI’s offer referenced the long-term financial benefits of the proposal, and considered the institute’s Atnané Hit (Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus) which has transformed downtown into an “authentic” capital city. They also acknowledged SHI as a unique community member.
While some assembly members were concerned about the city’s fiscal status, CBJ stated that the decision to support SHI was based on the economic, educational, and cultural benefits that the institute provides to the community.
“We know this was a difficult decision for our city’s leaders, but we are thrilled with the assembly’s decision,” said SHI president Rosita Worl.
“We look forward to further revitalizing the downtown area, enhancing Heritage Square and bringing glass culture and economic opportunities to Juneau.
Worl added that the completion of the Sealaska Heritage arts building will mark the achievement of SHI’s vision to make Juneau the Northwest Coast arts capital of the world.
Through community-oriented year-round activities, the facility would help draw locals to the downtown corridor in off-tourism months, according to SHI, helping to revitalize downtown — a key priority of CBJ..
SHI is also considering setting aside space for apartments in recognition of local housing needs.
SHI will now spend the next four years raising funds to build the facility, which is estimated to cost roughly $40 million.
The institute will first raze the existing structure, which will cost around $1 million to demolish and dispose of asbestos and other toxins inside and below the dilapidated facility. A garden for locals and visitors will be installed until the project breaks ground.
