Nestled in the heart of Alaska, there’s a town that defies conventional living arrangements. Welcome to Whittier, where nearly 200 residents call a single 14-story building home. This isn’t your average apartment complex – it’s an entire town condensed into one structure, complete with essential services and a unique way of life that has captivated the imagination of people worldwide.
The Begich Towers: A Town Under One Roof
At the center of Whittier’s extraordinary story stands the Begich Towers Incorporated (BTI), a 14-story behemoth that houses not just apartments, but an entire town’s worth of amenities. This former Army barracks, resembling an aging hotel, serves as the beating heart of the community. Within its walls, you’ll find a post office, police station, laundromat, market, convenience store, and even a church. It’s a self-contained ecosystem where residents can access most of their daily needs without ever stepping outside.
The concept of an entire town living under one roof might seem like something out of a science fiction novel, but for the residents of Whittier, it’s just another day in paradise. The unique living arrangement has earned Whittier the nickname “the town under one roof,” a title that perfectly encapsulates its distinctive character.
A History Shaped by War and Weather
Whittier’s unusual living situation didn’t happen by chance. The town’s history is deeply rooted in military strategy and the harsh Alaskan climate. During World War II, the U.S. Army established a military facility near Whittier Glacier, recognizing the strategic importance of its deep-water port. After the war, the Begich Towers and the now-abandoned Buckner Building were constructed to house military families and civil service employees.
The town’s location at the head of the Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, about 58 miles southeast of Anchorage, exposes it to some of Alaska’s most extreme weather conditions. Whittier receives an astonishing average of 197 inches of precipitation per year, making it one of the wettest places in Alaska. The harsh winter weather, with winds that can reach up to 60 mph, further reinforces the practicality of the town’s consolidated living arrangement.
Life in the Begich Towers: A Community Like No Other
For the residents of Whittier, life in the Begich Towers is a unique blend of tight-knit community living and individual privacy. The building’s design and layout have significantly shaped the town’s culture and dynamics. Children attend school within the building, and it’s not uncommon for teachers to bring their lessons into their own condos. The lines between work, home, and school life are often blurred, creating a fascinating social ecosystem.
Despite the close quarters, residents have found ways to maintain their independence while fostering a strong sense of community. June Miller, who runs a bed and breakfast on the top floors of the Begich Towers, has embraced the town’s unique character, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind Alaskan experience. Others, like teacher Erika Thompson, simply see it as home, adapting to the unconventional lifestyle with ease.
The Challenges of Isolation: Whittier’s Unique Access
Whittier’s isolation is perhaps its most defining feature, second only to its unique living arrangement. The town is accessible by only two means: sea or the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This remarkable feat of engineering is the second-longest highway tunnel and the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. Opened in 2000, it connected Whittier to Anchorage and the rest of Alaska, but with a catch – the tunnel operates on a strict schedule, alternating between vehicle and train traffic.
Residents, sometimes jokingly referred to as “Prisoners of Whittier,” must plan their lives around the tunnel’s timetable. This unique constraint has fostered a sense of resilience and adaptability among the townspeople. The limited access also contributes to the town’s tight-knit community, as residents rely on each other for support and companionship during the long, isolated winters.
Economic Lifelines: Tourism and Transportation
Despite its isolation, Whittier plays a crucial role in Alaska’s economy and transportation network. The town’s deep-water port is a vital hub for cruise ships and the Alaska Marine Highway, bringing a steady stream of visitors during the summer months. Whittier’s strategic location has made it an important transportation link, with connections to the Alaska Railroad and its own airport and seaplane dock.
Tourism has become a significant part of Whittier’s economy, with visitors drawn to the town’s unique living situation and stunning natural beauty. The surrounding Chugach National Forest offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Some residents, like Gary Carr, who works at the local grocery store, have embraced their role as ambassadors for the town, happily sharing stories of life in Whittier with curious tourists.
The Future of Whittier: Adapting to Change
As the world changes, so too does Whittier. The town has seen an influx of new residents in recent years, bringing with them diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Recent arrivals from American Samoa, Guam, the Philippines, and Hawaii have added new layers to Whittier’s cultural tapestry, enriching the community while preserving its unique character.
Climate change poses both challenges and opportunities for Whittier. As Alaska’s climate warms, the town may see changes in its weather patterns and ecosystem. However, the potential for increased maritime traffic through the Northwest Passage could bring new economic opportunities to this strategically located port town.
Lessons from the Town Under One Roof
Whittier’s unique living arrangement offers valuable insights into community building and sustainable living. In an era where loneliness and social isolation have become epidemic in many parts of the world, Whittier’s tight-knit community provides a compelling alternative. The town’s ability to thrive in extreme conditions demonstrates the power of human adaptability and the importance of social connections in challenging environments.
As urban planners and architects grapple with the challenges of creating sustainable, livable cities for the future, Whittier’s model of consolidated living could offer inspiration. While not every town can (or should) replicate Whittier’s exact setup, the principles of shared resources, community engagement, and adaptability to local conditions are universally applicable.
Whittier, Alaska, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of community. This town under one roof has not only survived but thrived in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. As we face global challenges like climate change and social isolation, perhaps we can learn a thing or two from the residents of Begich Towers, who have turned necessity into a unique and vibrant way of life.
