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Historic commission recommends Pikes Landing eligible for National Register
Summary
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission voted 6-0 March 4, 2025, to recommend that Pikes Landing be found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; the nomination now moves to the State Historic Preservation Office and, if approved, to the Keeper in Washington, D.C.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Historic Preservation Commission voted 6-0 on March 4, 2025, to recommend that Pikes Landing be found eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, citing the site’s long history as a river access point and post‑World War II recreational hub.
State Historic Preservation Officer Katie Rinksmith told the commission that the nomination defines Pikes Landing’s period of significance as 1942 to 1976 and argues the site’s historic importance in both transportation and social/recreational use. Rinksmith said the nomination focuses on the surviving boat ramp and remnants of the restaurant and on the river as an historic landscape feature.
Local residents, business owners and tourism officials urged the commission to support the nomination during public comment. Jay Rammers, a Hamilton Acres resident who led community research on Lloyd Pike, said the nomination is an effort “to rescue Lloyd Pike from obscurity.” Jeffrey Brooks, a longtime Pikes Landing employee and partner, described the property’s evolution and continuity as a community gathering place. Joan Skillbred, a local historian, noted that the landing remains “an active seaplane base today” and said the site illustrates postwar shifts in transportation and recreation. Scott McCray, CEO of Explore Fairbanks, said the tourism industry “has our full support” for both Pikes Landing and Growden Park nominations because historic sites draw visitors.
The commission’s motions first found that the nomination meets National Register criteria A and B and that the property retains historic integrity from its stated period of significance. The commission then voted that the property “is significant, retains integrity and is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.” The roll-call vote on the final eligibility motion was 6 yes, 0 no: John Poirier (yes); Martin Gutowski (yes); Miss Veltracus (yes); Josh Reuther (yes); Ms. Parasol (yes); Mr. Record (yes).
Rinksmith told commissioners the commission does not have to act the same night but that, if the commission approves the nomination in its minutes, the State Historic Preservation Office can forward it to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C. She asked that the commission’s vote be recorded in the minutes and indicated the office hoped to have state-level action before April to support the Gold Panners’ season planning.
Commission discussion focused on documentary gaps in the draft nomination and the presence of living‑memory sources; members requested time to add details to the nomination record. Rinksmith and staff agreed the nomination text can be supplemented as it moves through the state process; the Keeper receives the final package in Washington.
What’s next: the commission’s recommendation will be included in the minutes sent to the State Historic Preservation Office and the Alaska Historical Commission; if the Alaska commission concurs, the nomination will be forwarded to the National Register’s Keeper for final determination. The nomination materials cited the property’s period of significance (1942–1976), the surviving boat ramp and restaurant remnants, and the Chena River setting as key factors supporting eligibility.
Votes at a glance: - Motion: Commission recommends Pikes Landing meets National Register criteria A and B and is eligible for listing. Outcome: approved. Vote: 6–0.
