Commission approves relocation and stabilization plan for historic building on Block 24, Lot 1

The Skagway Historic District Commission on July 27 approved permit application 2026042, allowing RSD Properties/Pack Train LLC to relocate a historic structure on Block 24, Lot 1 and begin the first-phase rehabilitation work.

Commission member Rapley moved to approve the permit; Liebert seconded. The applicant described recent deterioration, saying the second-floor east side has caved in and the roof has rotted. The applicant warned that without shoring and debris removal the structure could fail during relocation: “It’s starting to lean more on the left side... Closest to the creek there,” the applicant said. Commissioners discussed a three-phase approach: stabilize and shore the building, hire an architect for detailed drawings, then submit a follow-up application for interior work.

Rapley and other commissioners emphasized the need for a timeline and monitoring to avoid prolonged inactivity after an initial stabilization phase. The commission recorded a roll-call vote of three yeses and approved the first-phase permit; the permitting office will track subsequent submissions for phase two and three.

The applicant indicated a goal to complete interior rehabilitation before the cruise season, targeting late February to mid-March for interior work and finishing exterior painting afterward.