Large multiplex with ‘flying theater,’ other attractions near cruise dock gets OK from Planning Commission
- Mark Sabbatini
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
38,000-square-foot facility next to downtown library will also feature 4D theater, sub simulation; company expects up to 400,000 visitors annually
By Mark Sabbatini
Juneau Independent
A megaplex where visitors can fly above glaciers, feel the mist of a salmon stream and be photographed exploring a rainforest — all without leaving the downtown Juneau cruise dock area — took a big step toward becoming reality this week.
The Alaska Fly And Drive project, housed in a 38,000-square-foot building next to the downtown Juneau Public Library, got unanimous approval for a conditional use permit from the Juneau Planning Commission on Tuesday. The facility’s design calls for a 72-person "flying theater," 60-person "4-D theater," three 20-person "Ocean 360 Submarine Simulators," photo opportunities in "themed environments," and retail and office space.
"We anticipate welcoming 350,000 guests annually, with projected growth to 400,000 visitors within five years," a prospectus for the project included as part of the permit application states. "During off-peak months, when cruise traffic is reduced, programming will shift to local community events, educational activities, and special events."
The hope is to debut the complex, expected to cost at least $60 million, by spring of 2027, according to the application.
The 33,875-square-foot lot where the complex is planned is the former site of the Juneau Cold Storage building, which was destroyed by fire in the 1980s, according to Planning Commission documents. The site, which is now largely a gravel lot, has largely been vacant except for seasonal use for activities. Since that time, the property has remained largely vacant, with intermittent use for seasonal activities such as the annual Maritime Festival.
Reuben Willis, founder of Alaska Wonder Experience LLC, told planning commission members the idea for the complex was born during a family vacation in 2017 that involved an experience in a flying theater.
"Everyone wanted to do it over and over again," he said. "It's something that anyone ages 3 to 103 can enjoy. I imagined in my mind, sharing the wonder of Alaska in this immersive way."
While the idea of traveling to Alaska and then experiencing its sights and sounds virtually might seem quirky, Willis said the attraction in part is based on the reality that circumstances don’t always allow experiencing the best Juneau has to offer for real.
"The best way to see Alaska is, of course, to get outside and see it in person," he said. "But on a typical day with rain and low visibility here in Juneau this is just not possible. Through three immersive experiences — on land, under the sea and in the air — we are excited to share and experience the wonder of Alaska in a unique and immersive way."
The premier attraction of the multiplex is a flying theater featuring rows of seats that move, shake and tilt in front of an 80-by-50-foot dome screen. Additional sensory features such as wind, mist and scents are also featured. Two different "destinations" are featured for viewers, including opportunities to see "an orca under the water eye-to-eye, or climb inside a glacier cave, or see king crab balled up on the sea floor," Willis said.
The submarine simulators will also be a motion-based attraction, with 360-degree views of the underwater regions, he said.
The 4-D theater will also offer more than just sight and sound screen entertainment on its 20-by-30-foot screen, Willis said.
"Guests will experience up close bears catching salmon as they jump up waterfalls and feel the swipe of bear claws, and the specialized seats that they're sitting in can provide a splash of water and a scent of maybe fireweed," he said.
The facility is expected to employ about 30 people, "with staffing levels flexing seasonally to accommodate peak demand," according to planning commission documents.
Willis’ wife, Erin, said the intent is to use the facility as "a civic and educational venue" between October and April when cruise visitors aren’t in town.
The only public testimony offered during Tuesday’s hearing was by Tom Kawakami, who said he supported it because, among other things, it will offer locals and visitors additional wintertime activity options.
Letters of support for the project were submitted to the City and Borough of Juneau by the Juneau Economic Development Council, Travel Juneau, Downtown Business Association and St. Vincent de Paul Juneau.
Among the questions asked by planning commission members was if the Willis’ company owns the property for the proposed complex since there is a "for sale" sign on it. The current owner is Archipelago Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Georgia-based Morris Communications.
Reuben Willis said he has a purchase agreement, but "until we know that we can proceed forward, we don't want to purchase the lot." He said a conditional use permit is a key part of that "due diligence."
In addition to approving the conditional-use permit, the planning commission also approved two variances. One allows the maximum height of the complex to be 54 feet rather than 35 feet to accommodate the flying theater. The second allows a 60-foot portion of the complex to border a Waterfront Commercial zone rather being at least 10 feet from the boundary.
"The proposed building is designed to meet the Downtown Historic District Design Standards and Guidelines by aligning the structure along South Franklin Street, providing a widened sidewalk, and incorporating façade articulation consistent with surrounding historic development," according to the project’s application. "The South Franklin Street façade includes a double-height ground floor, storefront-style glazing, upper-level windows, and a continuous canopy."
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at editor@juneauindependent.com or (907) 957-2306.
