December 11, 2025, by the Seward Folly Staff
Seward’s Planning and Zoning Commission has given the green light for two new hotels to be established in the downtown area, following last week’s December meeting. These developments will add to the city’s overnight accommodations but will also further reduce the stock of long-term residential housing in the heart of Seward.
300 Washington Avenue (Buick Building)
The first permit, sponsored by Valerie Bradshaw, will allow a hotel to operate at 300 Washington Avenue in the historic Buick Building. Originally built in 1940 as a car dealership, the structure later became apartments and most recently served as a 14-unit long-term rental complex. Under city code, hotels are permitted in the Central Business District with a Conditional Use Permit and do not require off-street parking; no dedicated hotel parking was proposed.
Jessi Bradshaw, co-owner, explained to the commission over a telephone conversation that increased operating costs made the conversion necessary. More than five apartments are set to become nightly rentals, positioning the project as a boutique hotel that emphasizes bookings during the main and shoulder seasons. The Bradshaws plan partnerships with local businesses and will offer luggage drop-off, but stated they would only convert units that become vacant “organically.”
Public testimony highlighted some tension around the transition. Of five speakers, three opposed the plan, one supported it, and one raised concerns about precedent for future developments. Two individuals reported that friends living in the building had received notice to vacate by April, directly contradicting the plan to rely solely on organic vacancies. Another resident, unable to attend, reported her lease was not being renewed, requiring her to leave her job.
To address concerns, Commissioner Nathanel Charbonneau amended the permit to require one ADA parking space and 0.5 parking spaces per hotel room. Additional language was added to ensure the building would be brought up to code. Commissioner Vanessa Verhey noted discomfort among the commissioners about shifting long-term housing into nightly rentals. The resolution passed by a vote of 5-1.
313 and 314 Fourth Avenue
A second permit, submitted by John Wisel of Grace Group Properties, allows construction of a 20-room hotel with a conference room at the former Oriental Garden Restaurant location. Although not mandated, plans include 10 parking spaces (one ADA-accessible) and an elevator that will raise the building’s roof over part of the structure.
The hotel will operate year-round, except for closure on July 4, with the developer promising compliance with all regulations as well as improvements to the lot and sidewalks.
Public feedback centered on construction impacts rather than the hotel itself. A representative of First National Bank Alaska voiced support for replacing the empty lot but expressed concerns about on-site safety and parking throughout the construction phase. Mr. Wisel stated the building would be set back to enhance safety and accessibility.
At Commissioner Charbonneau’s request, the resolution was amended to require ADA parking and 0.5 parking spaces per room. The commission approved the permit unanimously.
With both projects moving forward, downtown Seward will soon see an increase in hotel accommodation, while the number of long-term rentals in the area is set to decline.
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