From derelict lot to winter wonderland: The ‘starter block’ concept debuts in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF/KTUU) - A vacant gap in the downtown skyline is getting a second life as a community hub, starting with a pair of skates and a sheet of ice.

Festival Fairbanks announced the opening of a new ice rink on Lacey Street, at the former site of the Polaris building.

Saturday’s grand opening was timed to coincide with the Winter Solstice Festival, with the rink welcoming skaters from opening until 7:30 p.m., just ahead of the evening fireworks.

The project is the first iteration of the “Starter Block,” a nomadic urban renewal concept designed to activate derelict properties while they await permanent development.

“[We] don’t want it to turn into a snow dump in a parking lot or just another place that’s abandoned in Fairbanks,” said Julie Jones, the Executive Director for Festival Fairbanks.

While the city actively seeks a developer for the lot through a formal request for proposals, the Starter Block provides an immediate “Plan B.”

The ice was finalized on Thursday after weeks of “farming” successive layers.

To celebrate the launch, the organization is offering free hot chocolate and s’mores at on-site fire pits.

The vision for the space extends beyond the winter freeze.

While the rink will remain open for family skating throughout the season, Jones said the lot will pivot to “micro-retail” in the summer.

Small sheds will be available for rent, acting as an incubator for entrepreneurs to test their businesses before moving into larger downtown storefronts.

For now, the focus is on bringing life back to the city center during the coldest months.

Jones expects the rink to see its peak popularity as temperatures begin to moderate in March and April.

“The idea is to create family activities and things to do,” Jones said. “We’re hoping to get people started, incentivize people to get started in a business opportunity and also just to bring people downtown with family fun.”

Residents can track upcoming events and the future location of the project at the Fairbanks Starters website.

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