Historic Fairbanks building expected to come down this summer

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - After two summers of deconstruction, the Polaris Building in downtown Fairbanks is planned for complete demolition by the end of summer 2025.

The structure, opened in 1952, was the tallest in Fairbanks at the time, at more than 100 feet tall. Since demolition started in April 2023, it has so far lost three of its original 11 floors.

According to Fairbanks City Engineer Robert Pristash, the demolition is expected to pick up speed as the upper floors continue to be disassembled and taken down.

Pristash said the contractor, Coldfoot Environmental out of Anchorage, is in talks to come to Fairbanks in the middle of April, but extended winter weather could delay those plans.

“He has to use water because when we cut through the concrete there’s, there’s PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) in it, so the water contains everything. We don’t want it into the atmosphere,” he said.

If temperatures dip below freezing while that water is being used in the building, conditions could become hazardous for workers, Pristash said. Deconstruction of the building has already lasted longer than expected.

While the goal is to have the project completed by the end of this summer, Pristash discussed factors that could delay the process, including a late summer start, early fall finish, or equipment failure.

Along with taking off the top floors, the building has already largely been hollowed out of contaminants in its interior, including asbestos.

Once the building has been completely removed, Pristash said the basement will be filled with gravel.

Street closures on First Avenue between Lacey Street and Noble Street and on Lacey Street between First and 2nd Avenue will be in place while the project is being completed, according to Pristash.

He said it is unclear at this point what the city will do with the property once the structure is completely demolished, with options to sell or lease the property being considered.

At this time, the Polaris Working Group, reporting to Fairbanks City Council, is investigating the possibilities.

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