Historic Preservation Success
Historic preservation and heritage tourism are key to Ketchikan’s economic development. New heritage tourism-related businesses and attractions enhance Ketchikan’s destination appeal and keeps Ketchikan’s tourism competitive with other destinations. This translates to longer cruise stays in port, more return travelers, and visitors staying longer and spending more while enjoying in our visitor venues.Investment in heritage properties and attractions results in more jobs and increased revenues from property, sales and bed taxes that support local government services.
Architects Amanda Welsh and Tim Whiteley, longtime enthusiasts of historic preservation, restored a downtown Ketchikan building that is our featured project in this newsletter. Built in 1944 to serve the then adjacent hospital’s needs for boilers, laundry facilities, and nun’s quarters, this reinforced concrete structure was important to Ketchikan’s early medical facility needs. Its tall chimney was built to extend above the roof of the adjacent hospital. Once the hospital ceased operations this building saw limited use.
It’s a different story now! The building contains thriving businesses including the headquarters of Welsh Whiteley Architects, the recently-opened “Bawden Street Brewing Company” and “Alluring.Beauty & Nails by Liz”. 
Together these businesses account for 9 year-round jobs, considerable investment in the Downtown, and a big contribution to our property and sales tax base. This careful and colorful restoration enhances the destination appeal of our downtown and helps to tell our story.
Thanks HK members Tim and Amanda!