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Two Years of the Spotlight and a Trip South to Soldotna

  • hughjwade
  • Jun 18
  • 3 min read

This edition marks the two-year anniversary of The Spire Spotlight! Thank you for reading, and a quick pat on the back to Hugh and me for sticking with it and making it something real.


I closed last month's edition with the question, “Why am I not outside?” I’m happy to report that I’m writing this from the parking lot of our office on an exceptionally sunny, 58-degree day (June 12). It’s energizing and welcome. If it weren’t for the Stanley Cup Finals game later today, I’d probably be scheming how to play hooky and go hiking.


That urge to hike on a sunny summer day is something I share with many Alaskans. We value the outdoors. For me, I think it started at my family’s cabin in Soldotna. Summer weekends were spent in the dry cabin my dad built in the 90s: using the outhouse, fishing the Kenai. At one point, I had a little 50cc dirt bike I rode around the property, not realizing how lucky I was to enjoy this family gem. Fast forward to 2025, and I haven’t been to the cabin in years.


You know how it goes. You get busy. Work is a constant. Then add family, friends, socializing, exercise, creativity, relaxation, hobbies, and more work. Sprinkle in a pandemic and a few curveballs life throws at you, and suddenly it’s been years since you’ve visited your summer sanctuary.


But over Memorial Day Weekend, the streak was broken!

The forecast was too good to ignore. I made the drive, checked on the property, and spent a night there. Spoiler alert: it was a great time. I need to go more often.


“Ryan, what does this have to do with commercial real estate?”

Glad you asked.

With absence, change becomes more obvious. The weeks, months, and years away cast contrast on the landscape, and development (or decline) becomes more visible. Here are a few things I noticed when venturing south from Anchorage:



  • Sterling now has a Three Bears and a Shell gas station.


  • The Cooper Landing Bypass project continues.


  • Another Three Bears and Shell development is planned for 13 acres purchased near Quartz Creek in Cooper Landing. It has been delayed but is still moving forward.


  • The 2019 Swan Lake Fire still leaves a visible mark on the land. I underestimated how long it takes a fire-ravaged area to revegetate.


  • The Whistle Hill area as you enter Soldotna, is a clever use of solar energy technology and repurposed Alaska Railroad railcars. Worth a look if you haven’t seen it.

  • Whistle Hill
    Whistle Hill
    • A new Starbucks (with a drive-thru) and Domino’s have been developed at the intersection of the Sterling Highway and Kenai Spur Highway. It looks like there’s room for two more national tenants in a build-to-suit format.


    • The Soldotna Airport has added new hangars, with room for more development. It also boasts a great view of Mount Redoubt.

    

    • The Soldotna Field House, a $17.3 million project constructed by Criterion General Inc., is set to open soon. This year-round indoor facility will support sports, events, and community activities, making it a major addition to local infrastructure and economic development.


    • St. Elias Brewing Company is still on my list. I’ve never been! If it’s lasted this long, it must be worth checking out. (seen below)


    • Lastly, I learned about the Soldotna Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Plan:


    “The City of Soldotna’s Riverfront Redevelopment Project seeks to work with land and business owners, residents, and community partners to redevelop a portion of downtown Soldotna and create a one-of-a-kind riverfront experience that attracts locals and visitors with shopping, dining, and lodging in a walkable environment.”


    It’s an exciting idea. Of course, like many civic projects, its success could hinge on consistent leadership and private-sector buy-in. I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve read the full plan and educated myself further.


    Takeaways

    This trip reminded me that real estate development is happening throughout the state, even if not as much as some would like. It also reaffirmed something personal: I need to break out of routines, soak up Alaska’s landscapes, and spend more time at the family cabin.


    Have a great weekend, and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.

    

    – Ryan

 
 
 

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