In the year 2000, Fairbanks embarked on a remarkable journey into a new century and era. The once-dominant shabby dive bars in downtown Fairbanks began to fade away, making way for a modern skyline. The construction of the Rabinowitz Courthouse, the Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel, the Doyon Building, and other structures brought about a rapid transformation. This article delves into the details of these changes and how Fairbanks coped with the growing pains.

Witnessing Fairbanks' Metamorphosis

Construction Spree in Fairbanks

In 2000, Fairbanks witnessed a flurry of construction activities. The bare concrete towers overlooking the river symbolized the arrival of a new bustling era. Decade-old visions of revitalizing downtown were finally taking shape. A spacious new courthouse, a grand hotel, and the fabled municipal parking lot were all in the works. This progress showcased the community's vitality at the millennium.However, there were growing pains. Parking in the core area became a scarce commodity as construction crews hit their stride. But the Downtown Association of Fairbanks took proactive measures. A special committee identified public parking alternatives, including the use of the city's lot across from the Post Office. A map showing potential parking areas was in the making, ensuring that visitors would have easy access.The association also reached out to construction contractors and employers, encouraging workers to park outside the core area. Alaskaland's huge lot emerged as a solution for parking shortages. There was an effort to start a free shuttle service, and one proposal even called for a 50-seat horse-drawn carriage. While it might not be popular with commuters, visitors would surely enjoy the free horse rides.Sadler's Home Furnishing was approached about opening a portion of its lot for public use. The expected May opening of the new store coincided with the tourist season, providing a convenient option for shoppers and downtown employees.The only long-term solution was the city's proposed 350-space parking facility. An additional $800,000 was needed from the state to start construction this season. Lawmakers blamed city officials for the omission of the funding, but the project was too important to delay. Completing the package on schedule was crucial to support the businesses that had shown courage in investing during the years of decline.

Demolition and Rebuilding

Dale Himebauch lived out every 5-year-old boy's dream as he operated the excavator, tearing down the buildings at the corner of Second Avenue and Cushman Street. In just over two hours, he turned a significant portion of the building into rubble. He deftly used the excavator's "thumb" to rip apart the lumber, paneling, wiring, and pipes, transforming them into tinder.The demolition was a part of the rapid change in the downtown area. In addition to the 140-room Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel, a new Doyon, Ltd. Building was under construction and set to open soon. A new courthouse was taking shape, and a parking garage was in the works. Even the old Pioneer Hotel, just a few blocks away, was likely to be torn down this year.Doug O'Neill and Tim Staton, business owners across the street, had seen the skyline change several times over the past two decades. They were excited about the new developments but were concerned about parking for the next year. They believed that the increased foot traffic downtown would bring more business, although the new structures were not primarily geared towards tourists.O'Neill said, "I don't know if we'll get tourists, but I think we're going to see businessmen and lawyers. It's real handy to have it in the center of downtown and open year-round. It won't shut down in the winter."Note: It is hard to believe today that such extensive construction took place in such a short time. That same year, Gov. Tony Knowles asked for a $145 million increase in the State's general fund spending, with a significant portion allocated to capital projects and education.