Visit Whittier: An Alaskan Town Where Everyone Lives Under One Roof

Most of the people in Whittier reside in a single multi-storey building known as Begich Towers, which was once a Cold War military facility.

There are several places on Earth that leave people astonished. Nestled amidst Alaska's picturesque mountains, Whittier is one such unique town. This is because 85% of the population in this town resides in a single multi-storey building known as Begich Towers, which was once a Cold War military facility, while the remaining population lives in a two-story private residence known as Whittier Manor — a smaller condominium. Interesting, isn't it?

Since, most of the people in this town live in the same building, the place is also known as ‘Town Under One Roof’. This residential building, spanning up to 14 floors has nearly 153-bedroom apartments in addition to bachelor efficiency units and a home for almost 270 people of the city. Hence, all the residents of this building know each other really well.

Think how it will sound if every person around you knows you? For some it may sound fascinating and for some it can be mundane. Well, the citizens of Whittier have no other option.

The major reason for spending life in a college dorm kind of structure is the extreme harsh weather conditions.

Each year this place receives 197 inches (5,000 mm) of rain on average and then comes snowfall- which at times goes up to 300 to 400 inches. In December temprature goes upto -30° to -34°C and strong chilling winds which can make you numb for a while goes on throughout the year. Also the not-so-good road connectivity make it hard to travel even within the city. 

History Of The Town:

Earlier, Whittier was used by the US Army as a military harbour during World War II. Later when the war was over, people started settling in the isolated place. The city used to have mainely two buildings one is abondend Buckner Building and the other is Begich Towers, which was originally constructed between 1953 and 1957 as a Cold War structure. 

This was followed by the 1964 Alaskan earthquake that hit Whittier, resulting in a 13m high Tsunami, and residents were compelled to stay nearby and live together.

Essential Amenities And Governance:

To shield the residents from the 60 mph brutal winter winds, Begich Towers contains all essential amenities needed to survive. The first floor of the building comprises a police station, school, church, health clinic, and all the other necessary stores. For the resident's daily needs, it has a 'Kozy Korner' grocery store. There is also a laundromat and a post office to post a letter or a parcel anywhere.

The only school of the town- Whittier Community School is also connected to the building through a tunnel on the ground floor. According to the 2019–2020 enrollment numbers, the school has approximately 48 students from preschool through high school.

The city government comprises a 7-member council with a mayor and six council members, overseeing key departments such as administration, public safety, and public works residing in the same building. The tower is also equipped with a volunteer fire department, offering fire and rescue services with support from neighboring departments through mutual aid agreements.

Transportation:

Situated serenely on the western shores of Prince William Sound and 1.5 hours southwest of Anchorage, the town can be accessed only through a tunnel under a glacier, or by sea.

About 15 years back, the major transport to reach the town was by boat or train under favourable weather conditions. However, the town gained a new link to the outside world with the opening of the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel in 2000, providing the only highway connection to Anchorage and inner Alaska.

The tunnel is open from 5:30 AM to 11:15 PM during the summer, and from 7:00 AM to 10:45 PM during the winter.

Attractions For Offbeat Travellers:

Despite its isolated location, the town attracts numerous tourists and outdoor enthusiasts due to its abundant wildlife and natural beauty within the Chugach National Forest, the second-largest national forest in the U.S.

For trek enthusiasts, the city has some of Alaska’s best short-distance hiking trails, including the four-mile jaunt over Portage Pass. Visitors can also kayak through the state’s pristine waters; zip into Prince William Sound via Jet Ski, or motorboat, or hike to a waterfall in a temperate rainforest. In addition, they can also spot more than two dozen glaciers in one day.

Most tourists flock to the city from May to September. The town has a few hotels and accommodation options. However, visitors have the choice of staying either inside the tower or outside. Additionally, there are some short-term rental condos also available.

To check for dining options, Whittier boasts a few cafes where you can enjoy freshly caught fish and chips and other seafood.

Whittier's close-knit community, shaped by its distinctive living arrangements and shared challenges, fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among its residents, making it a captivating and memorable destination for visitors and locals alike.