(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska – The Arthur Yates Memorial Hospital building next to St. John’s Episcopal Church has been a Ketchikan landmark since 1905.  It has served as Ketchikan’s first full-fledged hospital, St. John’s clergy house, headquarters for Alaska Sportsman magazine, Chamber of Commerce offices, and Seamen’s Center.  Now it is at a crossroads.  The Parish of St. John’s has no funds to rehabilitate and maintain the building, and is considering demolition of the structure.  

The Yates Building in the 1950s.
Photo courtesy of Ketchikan Museums

Historic Ketchikan, the Ketchikan Historic Commission, and the Tongass Historical Society have joined with interested community members in requesting that the Parish delay any action while viable alternatives to demolition can be explored.  Church officials have responded that they are open to exploring ways to preserve and reuse this important part of Ketchikan’s history – provided that they can be accomplished at no cost to the Parish.

At 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 28th, St. John’s Parish and Historic Ketchikan will host a public discussion about the Yates Building and possibilities for its future use.  St. John’s representatives will explain the Parish’s position, and local building contractors, architects, planners, and business owners will offer their assessment of the building’s condition, the cost of its rehabilitation, possible uses, and potential funding mechanisms.   Members of the public are encouraged to join the discussion.

The meeting will take place in the undercroft of St. John’s Church, Mission and Bawden Streets.

Source of News: 

Historic Ketchikan
Ketchikan Historic Commission
Tongass Historical Society

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