Intersection of Front and Seward streets gets new name

Front and Seward streets will be known as Heritage Square after a resolution passed by the City and Borough of Juneau. The resolution drew no opposition. The idea for Heritage Square was first proposed publicly three weeks ago during the unveiling of three bronze house posts outside of the Walter Soboleff Building. (Courtesy photo | Sealaska Heritage Institute)

The City and Borough of Juneau on Monday passed a resolution naming the intersection in front of the Walter Soboleff building “Heritage Square.”

The resolution bolsters Sealaska Heritage Institute’s effort to designate Juneau and the region the Northwest Coast art capital of the world, according to an SHI press release.

“The intersection of Front and Seward Streets represents the symbolic center of Juneau’s cultural, historical and economic fabric, located near the Capitol, the Sealaska Corporation and Heritage Institute, City Hall, the downtown business district and the cruise ship docks and is on Juneau’s original shoreline,” the resolution states.

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The resolution also said the site is appropriate and will honor the many economic, civic and cultural contributions of all people in Juneau.

[Artists debut posts outside Walter Soboleff Building in downtown Juneau]

The city plans to include the site on city maps and other materials and provide signage to mark the location.

SHI President Rosita Worl first floated the idea of a Heritage Square at the intersection three weeks ago at the unveiling of bronze house posts.

“I’m so thankful to Mayor Ken Koelsch and the Assembly for running with this idea and making it happen so quickly,” Worl said in a press release. “It is gratifying to have such support from the city in our quest to designate this area the Northwest Coast art capital.”