Chitina Emporium Hub

The Chitina Emporium Hub website explores the history and future of Alaska and its people along the ancient and contemporary corridor from Cordova and the Copper River Delta, to Copper Center, Alaska. This work continues work by many who have come before interested in the area’s history. This site and the material and opinions expressed were created by H. “Ky” Holland of Anchorage, Alaska, with the hope of eventually attracting others to the effort. For now, the material, mistakes, and gaps are the responsibility of Ky. Please contact me with suggestions and corrections at ky@kyholland.com

A bit of history from the Chitina Building Survey: This isn’t the first building at this location. The original building was built around 1910 and operated as the Chitina Hotel and later the Overland. The original building burned down in 1922. O. A. Nelson built the building we see today in 1924, years later, for his growing drugstore and post office.

The Emporium is currently for sale. My potential dream to see the building renovated and used for a variety of activities that might benefit the community and visitors. Some ideas are shared below. Currently, the focus is on exploring options for stabilizing the building from further damage and seeking support, partners, and ideas for how to proceed. This would include supporting others who might step in to lead the effort. For now, I’ll be sharing information and my plans as they develop.

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A possible future for the “Emporium Hub” Building Restoration

In the summer, it will feature a visitor-focused center with history, travel information, refreshments, and connections to local and global communities. During the winter, it transforms into a coworking center for area residents, workshops for creative work, and offer a library and resources for winter visitors. Year-round, the hub will share stories from Alaska’s past and present, highlighting Chitina’s vital role as a hub for ideas, opportunities and connection. The Chitina Emporium Hub project provides an immersive experience of Alaska’s beauty and culture by showcasing its incredible history and offering unique resources to visitors both near and far.