Girdwood, Alaska, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Girdwood, Alaska, has started construction on the Holtan Hills housing development, the largest residential project in decades. Located northwest of Alyeska Resort, the project includes 50 shovel-ready sites for various housing types, alongside two multifamily lots for approximately 20 units. While it aims to address local housing needs amid rising prices, community concerns about affordability and displacement continue to arise, leading to discussions on short-term rental restrictions and public funding for infrastructure upgrades.
Girdwood, Alaska has commenced construction on the Holtan Hills housing development, which is set to be the largest residential project in the area in decades. The development is located on wooded land northwest of Alyeska Resort and will initiate with the clearing of a road, walkway, and utility lines through a nearby rainforest.
The first phase aims to create 50 “shovel-ready” sites intended for homes, duplexes, townhouses, and other residential structures. Additionally, the plan includes two multifamily lots with the potential to provide around 20 housing units. This ambitious project, approved by the Anchorage Assembly last year, is a result of a 2022 agreement between the developer Connie Yoshimura of CY Investments and the Heritage Land Bank.
While the new homes could offer relief to Girdwood’s tight housing market—a situation exacerbated by rising home prices and limited availability—the project has generated significant controversy among locals. Many Girdwood residents have expressed concern about potential displacement and the impact on housing affordability. Specifically, the fear is that the project could result in more “dark homes,” or properties that become short-term rentals instead of being available for local residents and workers.
Project Details and Community Concerns
To address community worries, strict guidelines have been established for Holtan Hills, including restrictions on short-term rentals, particularly for single-family homes and a substantial portion of multifamily units. This aims to ensure that the new construction addresses the local housing needs rather than becoming another set of vacation rentals.
The existing housing landscape in Girdwood displays a troubling trend, as more than half of the new residential units have reportedly shifted to short-term vacation rentals, contributing to rising rental prices and reducing availability for residents. Community representatives have voiced skepticism regarding the project’s impact on affordability, fearing it may lead to an increase in living costs rather than alleviating them.
Transparency and Public Engagement Efforts
In an effort to maintain transparency about the development, over 600 announcements related to the project have circulated in the community. However, anxiety persists among locals regarding the prospect of public money being used to benefit private developers, potentially prioritizing profits over the needs of Girdwood residents.
There are also concerns about the project’s reliance on additional municipal funding for necessary infrastructure upgrades. Members of the Anchorage Assembly, while discussing funding decisions, have debated the profitability and feasibility of the overall project, underscoring the community’s mixed feelings about the development.
A public meeting is scheduled for September 23 at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows to provide community members with project details and address ongoing concerns. As part of the agreement, two multifamily housing lots will be allocated to a Girdwood housing trust, aimed at creating more affordable housing options for residents. The Anchorage Assembly plans to discuss further restrictions on short-term rentals in an attempt to align the development’s goals with the needs of the community.
Summary of Holtan Hills Development Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Northwest of Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska |
| Size | 60 acres |
| Phase 1 Output | 50 “shovel-ready” residential sites |
| Multifamily Lots | Two lots with approximately 20 housing units |
| Short-term Rental Restrictions | Restrictions for single-family homes and half of multifamily units |
| Community Engagement | 600 announcements shared, public meeting scheduled |
FAQ
What is Holtan Hills?
Holtan Hills is a housing development project in Girdwood, Alaska, which is aimed at creating residential units to meet local demand.
How many residential units will be created?
The first phase will prepare 50 residential sites, along with two multifamily lots that could house around 20 additional units.
What are the community’s main concerns regarding the project?
Community members are worried about affordability, displacement of local residents, and potential overreliance on short-term rentals.
What measures are being taken to address these concerns?
Restrictions on short-term rentals and the allocation of some multifamily lots to a housing trust are measures aimed at enhancing affordability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Anchorage Daily News: Construction Work Starts on Major Girdwood Housing Development
- Wikipedia: Girdwood, Alaska
- Anchorage Daily News: Anchorage Assembly Approves Holtan Hills Housing Development
- Google Search: Holtan Hills Girdwood
- Alaska’s News Source: Assembly Votes Down Girdwood Housing Development Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alaska
- Alaska Landmine: Addressing Girdwood’s Housing Crisis
- Google News: Girdwood Housing Development
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