FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anchorage, Alaska — Aleut Real Estate (ARE), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Aleut Corporation, is pleased to announce its role as a strategic limited partner in The Wildbirch Hotel (Wildbirch), a cornerstone redevelopment in the heart of downtown Anchorage. Through this investment, Aleut Real Estate is a collaborative partner with Alaska Hotel Group, the developer and operator behind the newly reimagined property.
Slated to become part of the hyper-local JdV by Hyatt collection this summer, Wildbirch will be Anchorage’s first upscale boutique hotel. With 252 modern and design-forward guest rooms and suites, the hotel blends Alaska authenticity with global hospitality reach.
The property will feature a streetside restaurant, an on-site brewery, a café, and a curated retail shop highlighting local makers. Communal outdoor decks with fire pits offer sweeping views of Mount Susitna and Cook Inlet, while rotating art displays curated in partnership with the Anchorage Museum give guests a direct connection to local culture. Expansive meeting and event spaces will further position Wildbirch as a downtown hub for connection and creativity. Renovations are expected to be complete by early summer 2025.
“We see Wildbirch as a meaningful step forward for downtown Anchorage. It brings new energy into the core of the city, not just with design, but with purpose,” said Mike Jenks, General Manager and Broker in Charge at Aleut Real Estate. “Alaska Hotel Group is the right partner to lead this vision.”
As part of its investment, Aleut Real Estate has also entered into a unique employment agreement with Alaska Hotel Group. This initiative seeks to achieve a ten percent shareholder hire and training target to encourage Aleut shareholders and descendants to explore career pathways in hospitality, from housekeeping and front desk roles to culinary leadership and management.
“This partnership reflects our long-term vision of investing in Alaska in ways that generate meaningful impact,” said Skoey Vergen, President and CEO of The Aleut Corporation. “Through Wildbirch, we’re creating access, opportunity, and a launchpad for Aleut shareholders interested in hospitality careers.”
“We are thrilled that Aleut has decided to invest in the future of downtown Anchorage and the new Wildbirch hotel,” said Mark Begich and Sheldon Fisher co-owners of the hotel. “This property offers a unique blend of traveler experiences and a dynamic hangout for residents, and we want to thank Aleut for being part of bringing this vision to life for our community.”
Key Dates:
- May 15–22: Hotel joins JdV by Hyatt
- Summer 2025: Renovations complete and full grand reopening
About The Wildbirch Hotel
The first upscale boutique hotel in Anchorage, The Wildbirch Hotel is the ideal base camp for the full spectrum of Alaska adventure. Situated in the heart of the city’s downtown Mushing District, the hotel is steps from Alaska’s best restaurants, historic sites and cultural attractions, including the Alaska Railroad Depot, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and Ship Creek’s world-class salmon fishing.
Art displays curated in partnership with the nearby Anchorage Museum – a Smithsonian affiliated center – offer guests authentic cultural immersion, while expansive meeting and event spaces provide ample means for connection. The Wildbirch Hotel perfectly embodies the rugged charm of the region, while providing guests with elevated accommodations and curated experiences for some of the state’s most notable outdoor activities and attractions. For more information about the property, a JdV by Hyatt hotel, visit www.WildbirchHotel.com and follow the property on Instagram and Facebook.
About Aleut Real Estate (ARE)
Established in 1996, Aleut Real Estate is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aleut, ARE’s mission aligns with the goal of supporting sustainable growth and creating value for clients and shareholders. Aleut Real Estate is a real estate investment and management firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. Specializing in the acquisition, management, and development of high-quality properties, ARE is committed to delivering value to its investors and contributing to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit aleutrealestate.com.
About The Aleut Corporation
The Aleut Corporation (Aleut) is an Alaska Native regional corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. It serves over 5,000 Unangax̂ shareholders and descendants with a mission to provide economic growth and opportunities. Aleut’s portfolio includes businesses in government and mechanical contracting, real estate and property management, technology and infrastructure, fuel sales, port services, environmental services, and energy. For more information, visit: aleutcorp.com.
For Aleut shareholders and registered descendants, browse the open listed of positions on Wildbirch’s website by clicking here!
Aleut
Kate Gilling
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
kgilling@aleutcorp.com
Wildbirch
Chelsea Coe or Lydia Russo
B Public Relations
wildbirchhotel@wearebpr.com