Kodiak Harbor Convention Center is changing its name to Kodiak’s main public event, which would significantly alter the city’s primary public event space. Located at 211 W. Rezanof Drive, the renovation of the Kodiak Harbor Center is shifting its focus from hosting significant events to offering lodging and retail services.
Island Hotels, LLC, owned by Susan Johnson, manages multiple facilities. She also handles nearby hotels like the Best Western Kodiak Inn and the Kodiak Compass Suites hotel. Johnson confirmed that they will turn the top floor of the former convention center into seven kitchenette rooms, many featuring stunning harbor views.
These new rooms will replace the most significant meeting room, which will hold up to 500 people. Furthermore, they expect to complete the renovations, which have been ongoing for the past year, next summer. In addition to the bedrooms, Johnson announced plans to open a retail space on the center’s first floor for businesses.
Johnson decided to schedule a public open house for spring to showcase the revamped facility, which is closed for renovations. Originally a car dealership, the building reopened in 2009 as a convention center and hosted many popular events. However, the transition in focus has rendered its affiliated liquor license unnecessary at the current location.
Island Hotels is seeking state approval to transfer the liquor license to the Kodiak Compass Suites at 203 Alder Lane. Johnson plans to use the permit to open a bar named Piper Lounge.
Therefore, the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly decided not to protest the liquor license transfer on November 2nd. The transfer now awaits approval from the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The renovation of the Kodiak Harbor Center promises to bring new lodging and business opportunities to the heart of downtown.
This news article was originally published by KMXT.
