It’s been an interesting year of twists, turns, telephone calls, and Zoom meetings as we continue the quest for a New JACC. With appreciation for your interest and support, here is an update of events.

Over the last year, The Partnership has been meeting with the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council (JAHC), Chamber of Commerce, Travel Juneau and the CBJ to identify common goals that could be realized through a creative and dynamic civic center. As a result, the CBJ Assembly funded a team of architects to develop a building concept which would incorporate current plans for both Centennial Hall and the New JACC.

A joint venture formed by the architectural teams, Jensen Yorba Wall and NorthWind, has been charged to work with leadership from The Partnership, the JAHC, Travel Juneau and CBJ staff to develop a unified design concept with estimated costs. All major design elements from the New JACC are expected to be incorporated.

Initially, three design options will be put forward: economy, full size, and visionary. The leadership group will review and comment on these options prior to their being presented for review and comment at a public meeting. Contingent on the progress of the work, that meeting is planned for late April.

Public comments, along with those from the leadership group, will help the team develop refined options for a second public meeting, set tentatively for mid-May. Following that meeting, a preferred option will be selected for further development, and a final report, to include a rendering of the building and its estimated costs, is aimed, optimistically, for mid-June.

Please know that we continue to explore and expand opportunities for funding options. This has included setting the stage for the CBJ to request federal funding, a request which has been endorsed by our Juneau Legislative Delegation and our Alliance Partners. These recent events fire our optimism for the future of an art and culture venue that will meet our vision and provide the Capital City with the dynamic building this community deserves!

Yours for a more vibrant tomorrow,
The Partnership Board