City officials, Filipino residents advocate for protection of Manila Square

Alternatives for reconstruction are still being evaluated by Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, leaving impacts unclear

The statue of Dr. José P. Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, is seen at Manila Square in downtown Juneau on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Independent)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

A plea to protect historic landmarks in the heart of downtown Juneau’s tourist district is prompting local officials to rethink their support for a state construction project meant to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

The fate of Manila Square unexpectedly surfaced at a public hearing last week when a Filipino Community Hall member implored the Visitor Industry Task Force to protect the roundabout across from the Red Dog Saloon. The site features a historical marker honoring Filipino contributions in Juneau erected by the city in 2002.

The task force, in its draft recommendations to reduce congestion downtown, advises the city to support a state-planned restructuring of the roundabout, but some members said that recommendation may now be altered.

Construction by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on the state-funded project is scheduled to start next year. 

The task force’s draft recommendation says the Assembly should advocate to keep flowers. In her testimony, Rebecca Carrillo said the place holds cultural significance. 

“The recommendation could result in the removal of Manila Square and the loss of José Rizal, who is the Philippines’ national hero,” she said on Nov. 5. “Together these landmarks honor Filipino history and culture, and pass Filipino heritage onto future generations. Filipinos have lived in Alaska for over 100 years.”

Kirby Day, vice chair of the task force, said members were unaware the construction project could impact Manila Square and promised to follow up on Carrillo’s concern.

Chair Ella Adkison told the Juneau Independent on Wednesday that city staff connected Filipino Community Hall members with DOT so they can communicate directly. She added the wording in the city’s recommendation is being revised.

“It’s DOT’s project, but I plan to make it clear that the city will advocate hard to protect it if necessary,” Adkison said.

The project is listed under DOT’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for 2027-30 and is part of rehabilitating downtown Juneau streets as part of the National Highway System. 

“The project team is evaluating possible alternatives to address vehicle movement and pedestrian movement challenges here,” wrote Justin Shelby, a DOT spokesperson, in an email Tuesday. “Some of the alternatives being evaluated, if selected for the final design, would impact Manila Square.”

The STIP budgets about $17.5 million for what it calls a Franklin Street and Thane Road DOT rehabilitation project. Activities include structural section improvements, pavement, drainage repairs, sidewalk improvements and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements. 

The Visitor Industry Task Force is scheduled to meet Thursday night to discuss its 42 draft recommendations. The 10-member Visitor Industry Task Force, created by the mayor, advises the Juneau Assembly on tourism topics and began Jan. 15. A final recommendation report will be reviewed Dec. 17 and then sent to the Juneau Assembly for consideration. 

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or 907-723-9356.