Alaska Film Archives - UAF | Polaris Building construction, 1952 @alaskafilmarchives | Uploaded April 2023 | Updated October 2024, 10 hours ago.
These brief scenes show construction of the Polaris Building - a reinforced concrete structure deemed the "city's "tallest skyscraper" - in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1952. The apartment building and business center opened in 1953 and was a going concern through the 1970s era of Trans-Alaska pipeline construction. When the structure no longer served modern housing needs, it became a hotel for a short time. Since about 2000, the unoccupied building has fallen into neglect and decay, and with the aid of Federal grants, is slated for demolition beginning in 2023.
In an article published on November 13, 1952, the "Fairbanks Daily News-Miner" stated that the 11-story building would "bring much relief to the local housing shortage." The building would boast 96 efficiency units, 48 one-bedroom apartments, and ground floor office space for seven local firms. Construction was predicted to cost over $1.5 million. In the planning stages, it was known as the "Hill Building"; the Second & Lacey Street Corporation that funded its construction was presided over by Fairbanksans R.P. Hill and his wife Mary. Designed by Seattle Architect Raymond Peck and built by Seattle contractor S. S. Mullins, the two-tone green structure was to include "the most modern and practical features," including metal cabinetry throughout, a modern ventilation system, double-paned windows, first floor laundry facilities, and two fast-moving automatic elevators that would deliver passengers from street level to top floor in less than 25 seconds (Color/Silent/16mm film).
This clip is from AAF-11341 of the Hill Family collection held by the Alaska Film Archives, a unit of the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections & Archives Department in the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The Alaska Film Archives appreciates your support. Your donation in any amount will help us continue important preservation work. Please visit the “About” section of our YouTube channel to learn how you can help today. Thank you! For more information please contact the Alaska Film Archives.
These brief scenes show construction of the Polaris Building - a reinforced concrete structure deemed the "city's "tallest skyscraper" - in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1952. The apartment building and business center opened in 1953 and was a going concern through the 1970s era of Trans-Alaska pipeline construction. When the structure no longer served modern housing needs, it became a hotel for a short time. Since about 2000, the unoccupied building has fallen into neglect and decay, and with the aid of Federal grants, is slated for demolition beginning in 2023.
In an article published on November 13, 1952, the "Fairbanks Daily News-Miner" stated that the 11-story building would "bring much relief to the local housing shortage." The building would boast 96 efficiency units, 48 one-bedroom apartments, and ground floor office space for seven local firms. Construction was predicted to cost over $1.5 million. In the planning stages, it was known as the "Hill Building"; the Second & Lacey Street Corporation that funded its construction was presided over by Fairbanksans R.P. Hill and his wife Mary. Designed by Seattle Architect Raymond Peck and built by Seattle contractor S. S. Mullins, the two-tone green structure was to include "the most modern and practical features," including metal cabinetry throughout, a modern ventilation system, double-paned windows, first floor laundry facilities, and two fast-moving automatic elevators that would deliver passengers from street level to top floor in less than 25 seconds (Color/Silent/16mm film).
This clip is from AAF-11341 of the Hill Family collection held by the Alaska Film Archives, a unit of the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections & Archives Department in the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The Alaska Film Archives appreciates your support. Your donation in any amount will help us continue important preservation work. Please visit the “About” section of our YouTube channel to learn how you can help today. Thank you! For more information please contact the Alaska Film Archives.
