Many thanks to the roughly 140 people who came to the public launch of one of Homer’s most exciting new projects, the Boat House — a volunteer, community-driven effort to build a maritime pavilion on the Homer Spit at the site of the old Harbormaster’s Office. 

For both locals and visitors, the Boat House will be a public space to get out of the weather. It will be a place to stage gear, meet up with families and friends, hold events, and celebrate our working harbor and maritime traditions.

Open House attendees got a chance to check out conceptual designs by Anchorage-based architects ECI, who are donating their services to the project. ECI architects were on hand to discuss the designs and get input from the community. 

Attendees were also able to take a look at the new site plan for the area — created by the City of Homer and with donated services from Corvus Design — which increases parking and creates a safe pedestrian zone that alleviates congestion around harbor ramps. 

The Boat House committee collected hundreds of written comments from community members; this input will inform the next phase of design. If you want to get involved in a community project that will add value for local businesses and Spit users alike, give input, or make a donation, check out the Boat House on Facebook or get in touch via email at homerboathouse@gmail.com. The wonderful energy and momentum around this project are what define us as a community. 

Boat House Committee

Miranda Weiss

Gart Curtis

Bob Shavelson