Russian Block House

The Sitka First Business Alliance (SFBA) is proud to share the news of our ongoing work at the Russian Block House. Recently, after meeting with Father Herman Belt of the Orthodox Church of America (OCA), currently based in Sitka and presiding over the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the SFBA has begun helping the OCA restore the Historic Site. There is much work to be done.

As described during our discussion with Father Belt, about the site, a wonderful vision exists for an attractive and engaging future for the Landmark location. The first steps will be reclaiming and clearing the site of overgrown Salmon berry bushes and other unwanted vegetation. This growth has gone unchecked for many years and has become burdensome. Regrettably, this overgrowth has also provided shelter for undesirable activities such as drug and alcohol usage, underage drinking, consensual and potentially non-consensual sexual activity. None of which is in Father Belts vision for the site’s future.

With approximately 40 hours of labor, provided by the SFBA, nearly a quarter of an acre of unwanted vegetation has been cleared. Plenty of work remains ahead, but efforts to reclaim the site continue. For more specifics about the work underway, or if you would like to assist in any way, email: issues@Sitkafba.com.