KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Construction of the new Koniag/KANA building on Near Island is progressing. As the structure grows, so does the curiosity surrounding it. To answer questions about the building Charlie Powers, Koniag’s vice president of corporate affairs, spoke at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce’s member luncheon on Monday.
Use of the new building will be shared with the social services branch of the Kodiak Area Native Association as Powers explained during his presentation.
— (Koniag Building 1 "Its kind of a … collaborative space.")
Questions about the roof are something that Powers says he gets often. The sides of the roof slant down in the middle to form something of a "V" shape. He said that the shape takes its inspiration from traditional Alutiiq hats even though the roof doesn’t actually look like one. He also said that the "V" shape is practical because the run-off from the sides of the roof leads to a drainage system.
Another question he fielded at the luncheon was about the building’s siding.
— (Koniag Building 2 "That’s actually cedar …consuming siding install.")
Powers said that local contractors were used on the project whenever possible. The regional corporation had to go off island for specialty items such as the siding and the 14 foot high windows in the conference room.
The building is on track for a spring opening. Computers are scheduled to be installed early May followed by the new furniture.
— (Koniag Building 3 "We’re supposed to … pretty sweet digs.")
The new building on Near Island will also be the home of some state-funded services such as the Women Infant Children program which is available for all eligible Kodiak residents.
