Creek Street Development

• In discussion

  Public restrooms

  The condition and availability of the public restrooms that serve Creek Street's visitors. The Borough's Public Works department is the next point of contact on their status.

  Updated Aug 17
  Raised Aug 17
• Active

  Design review for exterior changes

  Changes to building exteriors in the Creek Street district go through public design review again, after about a decade without meetings. Owners planning work on facades, signs, railings or decks should expect a review step.

  Updated Aug 17
  Raised Aug 17
• In discussion

  Reaching owners and organizations

  An effort to let property owners, businesses and Ketchikan organizations know how the review process works, so projects on the street are planned with it in mind from the start.

  Updated Oct 10
  Raised Aug 17

Know of a project on the street that isn't listed? Projects are added as they come before the Borough or are announced publicly.

1. Call the Borough Planning Department firstBefore you commit to plans or a contractor. They can tell you which permits and reviews apply to your building.
2. Find out whether your work needs design reviewExterior changes such as facades, signs, railings, decks and windows are typically reviewed for fit with the street's historic character.
3. Photograph the building as it is nowEvery side you plan to change. Reviewers will ask, and it becomes part of the street's record.
4. Prepare drawings and material samplesShow what changes, what it will look like, and what it's made of: siding, trim, colors, sign size and lighting.
5. Confirm building permitsDesign review and building permits are separate steps. Ask which you need and in what order.
6. Plan access, staging and the creekMaterials arrive by boardwalk, and work over the water needs a plan to keep debris out of the creek.
7. Schedule around cruise seasonLoud or messy work goes best outside the summer months, when the boardwalk is at its busiest.
8. Attend the review meetingBring your drawings and be ready to answer questions about materials and details.

This checklist is a general guide, not a legal requirement list. Confirm what applies to your project with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Planning Department.

1. To be announced

   Watch for Borough notice

   Next design review meeting

   Date and agenda to be posted.

2. August 17, 2026

   Assembly Chambers, White Cliff Building

   Design review resumes after about ten years

   Topics raised:

   • Status of the Creek Street public restrooms
   • Letting owners and organizations know review is active
   • Scheduling the next meeting

• Oct 10, 2026Added The Star, the salmon ladder, the Tongass Historical Museum, the Chief Johnson totem pole and the New York Hotel to the map, and expanded the history timeline. Map numbers now run left to right.
• Oct 10, 2026Added the place directory and street map, history timeline, owner's checklist, visitor information, salmon timing and update dates on every project.
• Oct 10, 2026creekstreet.org launched as an independent community site.