Completion of Sitka Women's Club Cottage Rehabilitation

Published on November 03, 2026

NEWS RELEASE

Sitka, Alaska – The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Sitka Woman’s Club Cottage Rehabilitation project and expresses its appreciation for the federal historic preservation funding that made the improvements possible. As the grant recipient, CBS worked in collaboration with the Sitka Woman’s Club to address critical structural deterioration and preserve an important piece of Sitka’s history for future generations.

“The Sitka Woman’s Club thanks the City and Borough of Sitka and the Alaska Office of History and Archaeology for the opportunity to rehabilitate our historic cottage at 300 Harbor Drive through a Certified Local Government grant funded by the Historic Preservation Fund. Built in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024, the cottage received critical foundation repairs and insulation, ensuring its continued service as a community gathering space for decades to come. We are grateful for the federal-state-local partnership that supports historic preservation in Sitka.” Said Anne Pollnow, Treasurer and Chair of the Building Committee.

Originally constructed in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 2024, the cottage at 300 Harbor Drive has been maintained by the SWC since 1951. Rehabilitation work included replacing 12 deteriorated support posts and three floor beams, removing inactive electrical wiring, improving moisture protection, and installing insulation beneath the building. These improvements help protect the structure from further deterioration while maintaining its historic character.

The $16,000 federal grant was supplemented by nearly $15,000 in matching contributions, including volunteer labor, donated materials, and financial support. The project was completed through the efforts of the Sitka Woman’s Club, local contractors, and regional partners, including donated lumber from Alaska Timber and Truss in Petersburg, Alaska. The improvements will help sustain the cottage’s continued use for community activities and support the Club’s longstanding charitable work, including grants, scholarships, and programs benefitting Sitka residents.

The Sitka Woman’s Club Cottage Rehabilitation project is supported in part by the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and the State of Alaska Office of History & Archaeology.

Federal Funding Disclaimer: This project was produced with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service.

The City and Borough of Sitka’s mission is to provide public services for Sitka that support a livable community for all. Stay connected to the City and Borough of Sitka by visiting us online at www.cityofsitka.com; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityandboroughofsitka; follow us on Twitter@cbsitka, and Instagram@cbsitka, or call Administration, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at 907-747-1812.

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