NCLH paid $20m for the 2.9-acre parcel adjacent to Juneau's Coast Guard station in 2019, outbidding Royal Caribbean Group ($13m); Godspeed Inc., owned by the Binkley family of Fairbanks ( $12.8m) and the city of Juneau ($4.25m).
Development plans expected this year
Engaging with other Alaska Native corporations and community stakeholders, Huna Totem will lead efforts to develop a new pier and related infrastructure on this parcel. It is expecting to submit plans for the year-round facility before the end of the year.
Preferential berthing rights
With this donation, NCLH will receive preferential berthing rights. The project is expected to bring significant benefits to the local and visitor experience by eliminating tendering operations, improving traffic flow and welcoming visitors to a purpose-built facility. Locally owned and operated, the future waterfront complex is expected to boost the economy by increasing tourism revenue and creating employment opportunities year-round.
'We are pleased to be able to donate our property in the heart of Juneau to Huna Totem Corporation to develop a new pier and surrounding facilities,' said Dan Farkas, EVP and general counsel for NCLH, who overseas corporate construction.
Community integration
'Ensuring this project is fully integrated into the local community is incredibly important to us, and as we began planning its development, it became abundantly clear that Huna Totem, owned entirely by Native Alaskans, was the right stakeholder to lead this effort.'
Farkas continued: 'Alaska is an incredibly popular, fast-growing destination, and this partnership will provide the dual benefit of driving positive, sustainable economic impact to the region while also ensuring that the development of the land is done in a way that is respectful and representative of the rich history and culture of this community.'
'Huna Totem is thrilled to partner with Norwegian once again to expand regenerative tourism in Alaska with the development of a new pier in Juneau,' according to Russell Dick, the corporation's president and CEO. 'In following with Huna Totem’s port development model, design and development of the new destination will reflect our guiding principles as Native Alaskans while protecting and preserving the natural beauty of Juneau, empowering our community, and fully supporting the region’s tourism-based economy.'
Follows Icy Strait Point, Whittier projects
NCLH and Huna partnered for a second cruise pier at Icy Strait Point inaugurated in 2021 and in March this year announced plans to jointly develop cruise berthing and upland facilities at Whittier.
All-Alaska development group
Huna Totem is working with Goldbelt, Inc. to assist with the development and operations of the property. Together, the Alaska Native corporations share extensive knowledge in tourism and support a high percentage of their Alaska Native shareholder constituents living in Juneau.
'Giving ownership back to the Tlingit people is a tremendous way to honor the culture of this community. We look forward to partnering with Huna Totem to share the values and ancestral history of this land,' Goldbelt President and CEO McHugh Pierre said.
In addition to Goldbelt and Huna Totem, the all-Alaska-based development group includes Jensen Yorba Wall Architects and Alaska Commercial Contractors from Juneau and Turnagain Marine, an Anchorage-based pier developer.
Public meetings
In alignment with Juneau’s 2021 waterfront plan, the development group is ready to submit a site plan to begin the permitting process with the city. Huna Totem and Goldbelt will host public meetings to share their vision and design for the property.
Alexandra Pierce, tourism manager for the city and borough of Juneau. said the next step is for Huna Totem to submit a conditional use permit application to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. That process will provide an opportunity for public comment.
Pierce said the community will also have the opportunity to provide public testimony to the Assembly during the tidelands lease process.
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