Whittier, Alaska: The Town Under One Roof

 


Nestled between towering mountains and the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, the small town of Whittier, Alaska, stands out as one of the most unique communities in the world. This remote town, accessible only by air or through a two-mile-long, single-lane tunnel that cuts through Maynard Mountain, is home to just 272 residents. But what truly sets Whittier apart is the fact that nearly the entire population lives in a single building: Begich Towers.


 A Town Within a Building


Begich Towers is a 14-story apartment complex that serves as more than just a place to live; it is the heart of Whittier. Originally constructed in the 1950s as army barracks during the Cold War, the building has since been converted into a cozy condominium complex that houses about 90% of the town's residents. Over the years, Begich Towers has earned Whittier the nickname of "the town under one roof."


This unique living arrangement is not only practical but also essential given the town's harsh winter conditions. With temperatures often plummeting and heavy snowfall a common occurrence, living in a single, centralized location makes life in Whittier far more manageable. The building is essentially a self-contained town, complete with its own post office, general store, police station, laundromat, health clinic, mayor's office, and even a heated indoor pool.


 The Practicality of Begich Towers


Living in Begich Towers offers a level of convenience that is rare in such a remote and challenging environment. For residents, everything they need is just an elevator ride away. The post office is located on the first floor, making it easy to send and receive mail without braving the elements. The general store is well-stocked with essentials, ensuring that residents can purchase groceries and other necessities without leaving the building. The presence of a health clinic means that medical care is always close at hand, an important consideration given the town's isolation.


The police station within Begich Towers ensures that the community remains safe, and the mayor's office allows for local governance to be conducted efficiently. The heated indoor pool provides a recreational outlet for residents, offering a warm and inviting space to relax during the long, cold winters. All of these amenities make life in Whittier not only feasible but also surprisingly comfortable.


 Life Beyond Begich Towers


While Begich Towers is the center of life in Whittier, it is not the town's only residential building. There is a second condominium complex in Whittier that houses the remaining 10% of the population. However, even those residents rely on Begich Towers for many of their daily needs. 


The town's school and gymnasium are located in a separate building, but they are connected to Begich Towers by a tunnel. This tunnel is particularly important during the winter months when the weather can be harsh and treacherous. The tunnel allows students and residents to move between buildings without having to face the biting cold and deep snow. This interconnectedness reinforces the sense of community in Whittier, as residents can go about their daily routines in relative comfort and safety.


 A Unique Community


Whittier, Alaska, is a testament to human adaptability and the ability to thrive in even the most challenging environments. The town's unique living arrangement, centered around Begich Towers, has fostered a close-knit community where neighbors are more like extended family. The shared living space creates a strong sense of unity, as residents look out for one another and work together to maintain their small, self-sufficient town.


While Whittier's isolation and harsh winters might seem daunting to some, the residents have found a way to turn these challenges into strengths. Begich Towers is more than just a building; it is the heart of Whittier, a place where the town's spirit of resilience and cooperation shines through. In a world where people are often disconnected, Whittier stands as a unique example of what it means to live, work, and thrive together.

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