Anchorage commission discusses renaming Golden Lion building as health department advances RFP

Jennifer (Chair) reported that the Municipality of Anchorage Public Health Department and a mayoral staff member contacted the commission seeking three to four suggested names for the city‑owned Golden Lion building, currently housing tenants on leases. The health department indicated it plans to evaluate the commission’s input and then submit a formal naming request if it pursues a new name.

Commissioners offered name ideas and considerations. Examples mentioned in the meeting included “Golden Bridge Housing,” “Heart on 36,” “True North Housing” and “Two North Housing.” Commissioners cautioned staff that suggested names should not duplicate existing organizations (for example, “True North” is already used by a statewide rehabilitation provider) and that the commission should consider potential neighborhood reaction and political sensitivity. Several commissioners noted the Golden Lion sits at the confluence of three districts and that the building’s visible geography (a ridge of mountains behind the building) and local memories (former dining and social uses) are factors to weigh.

Use and timing concerns: commissioners and a branding consultant on the panel noted the city currently has an active RFP to convert the Golden Lion from permanent housing to a treatment center. Because the property’s intended use may change, commissioners debated whether to (a) provide name suggestions now, (b) provide a naming framework and resources the department can use to craft names, or (c) require the department to submit the formal application using the new submission form. Several commissioners preferred giving the department the approved submission form and related resources (GIS map, guidance on Indigenous names) rather than the commission supplying a definitive list of names, citing the risk of politicizing the commission early in its work.

What the commission decided: commissioners agreed to send the submission form and the newly adopted guidance documents to the health department and invited the department to submit a formal request if it elects to rename the building. The commission did not formally recommend or select any particular name at the meeting.

Why it matters: the Golden Lion building has local recognition and a contested recent history; the commission and staff noted that a renaming tied to a change in use (from housing to a potential treatment facility) could draw strong public comment when a formal submission is filed.

Attribution: suggestions and cautions were raised by multiple commissioners and by a branding/public‑relations commissioner (Britt). The transcript shows Jamie (staff) and Jennifer (Chair) coordinating next steps; a commissioner noted the city used alcohol tax funds to purchase the building previously and raised a potential deadline in funding that could accelerate the timeline.

Next steps: staff will send the approved submission form and process materials to the Health Department and ask the department to submit a formal naming request if it wishes to proceed. Commissioners said they will prepare for a public process and reminded each other that naming will not determine the use of the property.