The Alaska Native village corporation Huna Totem Corporation, in partnership with the City and Borough of Juneau, has concluded a tidelands lease agreement for the Áak’w Landing development, thereby permitting the project to proceed to its final design and construction phases. The agreement follows prior approvals by local governing bodies and reflects several years of coordinated planning and public consultation.
The proposed development, situated along the downtown waterfront of Juneau, is intended to function as both a cruise ship berth and a broader waterfront destination. Upon completion, it is expected to contribute to local economic activity, improve the movement of visitors through the city, and create additional opportunities for community use along the harbor front.
The project is also designed to address increasing demand for docking capacity. Current projections indicate that approximately ninety-five large cruise vessels will anchor offshore during the 2026 season, highlighting the need for expanded berthing facilities in the years ahead. By providing an additional dock in a central location, the development is expected to reduce reliance on tender operations and alleviate congestion along key downtown corridors, including Marine Park and South Franklin Street, while improving pedestrian access to local attractions.
Beyond its maritime infrastructure, Áak’w Landing incorporates a range of complementary facilities, including public gathering areas, retail outlets, dining venues and cultural spaces. The project has also been designed with environmental considerations, as the dock will be equipped with shore power capabilities, allowing visiting vessels to reduce emissions while alongside.
Russell Dick, president and chief executive of Huna Totem Corporation, indicated that the development represents a long-term investment in the city’s future, intended to provide a setting through which local culture may be presented while supporting commercial activity and community events. He further noted that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown waterfront and strengthen its role as a shared civic space.
The economic implications of the project are expected to extend beyond tourism infrastructure. Áak’w Landing is projected to generate employment, increase passenger spending within the city and contribute significantly to municipal tax revenues, positioning it among the more substantial property assets within Juneau.
Coordination with federal authorities has also formed part of the planning process. The developers have worked with the United States Coast Guard to ensure compatibility between the new dock and a proposed adjacent pier. The agency has indicated that the facility could be used on an interim basis for vessels such as the icebreaker Storis if required.
In reflecting on the project’s development, Dick stated that the initiative had been shaped by extensive community input over a prolonged period and affirmed that engagement with local stakeholders would continue as the work advances toward construction and eventual completion.