Nov 2020 Solo. Because Whittier is surrounded by mountains, connecting it to other towns required significant tunneling. The Begich Towers, in Whittier, Alaska, built by the military during the Cold War as a no-frills barracks, is now home to the majority of the isolated town's 300 or so residents. The 14-story Begich Towers Incorporated, known around these parts simply as BTI, is probably the last thing you'd expect to see in an outpost as remote as this. The town does seem to attract those searching for separation of something: Establishment. The Anchor Inn, a combination hotel, bar, and restaurantthe only bar or restaurant open year-roundis a five-minute walk from BTI. It was named the Hodge Building in memory of Colonel William Walter Hodge, commander of the 93rd Engineer Regiment on the Alcan Highway. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. After a drug bust on the 10th floor of Begich Towers, the Whittier Police donated a hydroponic garden to the kids at Whittier School. A small percentage of the population lives in Whittier Manor, a low-rise condo that overlooks the clanking rail yard, and a couple of people live on their boats year round. With most of the residences within the town of Whittier AK being located in the Begich Towers Condos, it is no surprise this really is the center of town. (There once was a combination video rental store and tanning salon, but its been closed for a while now.) After its military service the building was modified for civilian life. He wastes as little as possible, letting the shape of the ivory define what he makes. The room used by the church is in the basement; until recently a Southern Baptist presided over the mostly Catholic congregation. It was a long, Brutalist monolith nestled into the side of the mountain on the east side of town, and served as the operational headquarters for the military. BTI may not have everything you want, but it has everything you need. Lucky Medez, who moved to Whittier from Guam in her junior year, is one of three students in her graduating class. ", Anna added, "I feel like it's made us better people. The U.S. government returned to Whittier at the onset of the Cold War. The flat-roofed Hodge Building was the militarys residential tower, built for bachelors quarters and family housing. Several bathrooms still have the original pink tiles and the yellow counter tops in the kitchens. The main 14-story apartment complex, Begich Towers, contains 150 two- or three-bedroom apartments, the kind of density that could foster a devastating infection rate in the tiny population.. the property described as unit no. So it actually makes sense for the city's citizens to have everything in one place and live under the same roof. "I can remember the old tough Alaskan style, you party all night till five in the morning, and then you went to the cannery at seven to start pitching fish. Because the winters are so ferocious, the towns only playground is indoors. Though there are two small grocery stores in Whittier, people tend to do most of their shopping in Anchorage, braving 60 miles of icy highway to do so. Each room has a big-screen TV, WiFi, and sweeping views of Alaska. Begich Towers is essentially a fully functional condo that is equipped to take care of most of the residents needs in-house. Proving the Whittier experience is not for everyone, it hasmixed reviews on TripAdvisor. The tower is actually three structures mashed into one: an east building, a middle building, and a west building, combined over four years from 1953 to 1957. Comfortable floor plans and panoramic views will make you feel right at home in the Begich Towers Condos in Whittier AK. But its also a friendly town in a spectacularly beautiful location. The mostly unused Buckner Building was not repaired following the earthquake, and remained unused. Some easily adjust and stay for 20+ years. In recent decades, civilians have begun to trickle into a former army barracks at the heart of the town called Begich Towers. A Trending Reel Challenge That Can Win Us a Brand-New Swift? Whittier Harbor, which never freezes, is one of the most desired in the area. Enjoy waterfall views from the 6th floor and an abundance of awesome outdoor activities. In 1964, the area was hit by a tsunami caused by the Good Friday earthquake, but the damage was not extensive. The school is connected to the towers via a tunnel. Its a concrete building, he said. The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. CV Raman Birth Anniversary: Rare Footage Of Indian Scientist In Sweden To Receive Nobel Prize. What's the reason you're reporting this blog entry? In addition to the residential units, the first floor has several businesses: a laundry mat, Post Office, condo association offices and more. The purpose of the bomb-proof mid-centuryHodge Building was to support a remote logistics station in Whittier, Alaska. It also has radar-unfriendly claustrophobic topography and famously terrible weather, which obscures visibility for much of the year. Author Bio: Katrina is a top producing Realtor from Anchorage, AK. There is also a small Baptist church, two floors of bed and breakfast daily rentals, a conference room, and an indoor playground at the school. During our time in town, a number of residents alluded to Whittiers wilder days, when you could go there to escape life on the other side of the tunnel. Still, he has convinced some of them to be baptized again; the harbor is too cold, so he sets up a large inflatable pool in the middle of the church room. "It really isn't," the mayor responded. It's accessible, but also very remote. He also had to get used to his address. The quality of a school can greatly influence home values in an area. But thriving harbor industriesfreight, fishing, tourismdont seem to translate into growth for the city. It was designed to house a 1500-man garrison with its own chapel, command offices, brig, TV station, PX, theater, laundry facilities, barber, an enormous mess hall, craft shop, a bowling alley, a shooting range, commissary, bakery, dispensary, and private rooms for officers and NCOs. There's a post office, a notary, even a church, all just an elevator's ride away. Begich Towers, otherwise known as the BTI building, is a 14-storey complex which has been turned into a condominium association with 196 units. The Begich Towers Condominium is a building in the small city of Whittier, Alaska. The 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which was converted from railroad use, alternates the flow of traffic every fifteen minutes. The towers are not 100% occupied. Today all but a handful of the towns residents live inside. To some, it may just be the strangest town in Alaska, but for residents Whittier seems to be the answer to the call of the wild. One benefit of living at BTI is that kids dont need jackets when they go to school in the winter because the towns school was built immediately behind Begich Towers; it connects to the base of the west tower via an underground tunnel, which shields the kids from Whittiers extreme winter weather. Anna said, "If I had one word, I'd say it's magical.". It has 196 apartment units, most of which are . She misses being at a school with sports teams, dance classes, and proms. The Hodge Building was constructed as three separate towers connected by metal plates. On December 17th, 1945 the Army allowed the Alaska Railroad Company (the towns chief non-government tenant) to assume operations in Whittier. It has vacant units for sale and some units belonging to seasonal residents. In the summertime Whittier is bustling. They also had a lot of civil rights actions here [in Alaska] in the forties; the Natives werent even allowed to sit in the movie theater with white people. The exterior of the building is getting power-washed and painted and inside the tan colored hallways have been replaced by bright yellow. (Whittier has an EMT team but no hospital, so in the case of a nighttime emergency, a police officer has to run ahead of the ambulance to unlock each of the four gates inside the tunnel.). In the summertime you can look out and see whales breaching in the harbor, or mountain goats grazing on the slopes across the water, but mostly people use binoculars to spy on their neighbors. Editor: Steven Tyler. Less than ten percent of Whittier's population lives there. In 1972, the building was renamed Begich Towers Condominium, in memory of Nick Begich, a Congressman from Alaska who disappeared in the area and is presumed to have died in a plane crash. Were All in for Arena Reel Star! This has earned Whittier the nickname of a "town under one roof".[1]. Copyright 2023 Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Come experience our Historical two and a half mile (one way) tunnel. There is almost no reason to leave the building, which on some days, is a major benefit because the city of Whittier is also famous for its windy and rainy weather. Regarding the dating question, she said, "Nobody really dates here because we all grew up together and that'd be kinda weird. Whittier, Alaska, on Prince William Sound. The first floor of the building had almost everything a city needs to function. Behind Whittiers everyday peculiarities is a community thoroughly circumscribed by geography, architecture, and weather. and Anchorage real estate What if there's an emergency or something and I can't get out?" Begich Towers is nearly earthquake and fire-proof. Joey Lipscomb, an eighth grader, runs the garden. Located around 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, the town of Whittier has a 14-storey building that also houses a health clinic, police station and convenience store. make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. Our suites are located in a historical building "Begich Towers", built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1957. The U.S. Army began construction of a rail line in 1941 from Whittier to nearby Portage, Alaska. First published on May 23, 2021 / 9:54 AM. Begich Towers is currently home to 75% of Whittiers 300 permanent residents. 2023 ActiveRain, Inc. All Rights Reserved :) homeFair Housing: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Real Estate Agent with Come Home Inc License #16564, Affordable Condos with Unobstructed Views, Depending upon placement within the towers, each unit has an unobstructed view of the. And if you have pet reindeer, you can keep them in a pen behind the building. The building, called Begich Towers, is a former Army barracks that resembles a very large hotel. The population of the city is over 200 people. Cowan asked Shuford, "What do you want people to know about Whittier? Gary Carr works at the Kozy Korner Store, one of Whittiers two grocery stores. There are benefits to living in the Begich Towers. Some people love it because IT CAN BE REALLY SOCIAL. About an. Next to the school and towers is the indoor playground (pictured), which protects kids from the elements year-round. 60 miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Over 700,000 people visit Whittier annually, but most tourists dont stay in town for longer than an afternoon, if that. Brokered And Advertised By: Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Listing Agent: Michael Schwartz. In the basement of the Hodge Building, the plastic-lined water containers were also undisturbed. Before the twentieth century, the area had been used for centuries by the Chugach Indians to traverse the Kenai Peninsula. The Hodge Building was transformed into a public building with several units, including the headquarters of the major institutions and commercial services of Whittier. Powered by Indiatimes Lifestyle Network. Post with kindness. Brought to you by licensed Realtors at Keller Williams Realty. Whittier started out in the mid-1950s as a military outpost. Most condos have extensively updated and remodeled since then. Jim's studio is located in Whittier Manor, the only other residential building in Whittier besides Begich Towers. Begich Towers Condos in Whittier AK have an active Home Owner's Association with dues of about $250 to $550 per month depending upon the size of the unit. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests. Employment protections include being fired, denied employment, or otherwise discriminated against by an employer. The next day we were on the ground floor at the grocery store when a painfully loud fire alarm went off. Dr. Michael Costa is a visiting dentist who spends nearly half his year traveling between Alaskan villages, and Erik Linduska is a dental health aide therapist based out of King Cove. Close to some of Whittier's most popular landmarks, such as Begich Towers Incorporated (0.0 mi) and Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (1.9 mi), June's Whittier Bed and Breakfast . In addition to residential apartments, the building houses Whittiers grocery store, laundromat, medical clinic, police department, post office, and the city offices. The impressive engineering behind the 14-story Hodge Building was on display as its three separate towers swayed but miraculously did not collapse. But in fact, the opposite happenedpeople moved out.). "It's like, no, it's not! Watch this video link to tour the Begich Towers. One unique feature, there is a pedestrian tunnel linking . the property described as unit 104, begich towers condominiums, as shown on the floor plans filed in the office of the recorder of the anchorage recording district, third judicial district, state of alaska, under plat number "'74-1, and as identified in the declaration recorded march 26, 1974, book 2, page 571, and in any It was built in three sections connected by metal plates so that it wouldn't crack apart during a quake. When the second largest earthquake in recorded history leveled much of southern Alaska in 1964, the 14-story Cold War relic was one of few structures to survive. Victor Shen also works with students here and he's also a graduate. When the military left, the Alaska Railroad took over. (Some residents opposed the tunnel retrofit, afraid that it would bring an influx of people to town. she laughed. Begich Towers: Tour the most famous building in Whittier, Man charged in 1994 sexual abuse cold case, Fairview neighborhood to receive $537K in federal grant to reconnect community, Alaska groups celebrate Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples Day becoming city holidays. On the buildings top two floors are Junes Whittier Condo Suites, a residents bed and breakfast operation with nearly a dozen suites ranging from $155 to $265 a night. In 1998 reconstruction began to convert the rail-only Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnelfor dual-use, allowing vehicular access as well. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider needs as part of the school selection process. It was built in 1954 . The post office is near the buildings entrance and the police station is just down the hall. Wildlife Photographer Captures Rare Photo Of Three-Headed Cheetah, What's The Story Behind It? Built in 1943, this self-contained secure facility housed the radio and telegraph communications equipment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); UnusualPlaces.org is your guide to quirky, weird and beautiful places to visit around the world. The east tower was built first, followed by the middle tower, and finally the west tower, which was finished in 1957. Of the thirteen Whittier residents who perished in the Good Friday (or Great Alaskan) Earthquake, only one body was recovered. The name of the 14-floor building is The Begich Tower which is the residence for nearly the entire population of the city. (800) 525-7452. This propelled Whittier into a more important role as other regional ports who suffered more damage were inoperable. Whittiers school is connected to Begich Towers by an underground tunnel, so young residents never have to brave harsh wind and snow on their way to the classroom. He was a violent racist and he hated blacks and Natives, so I always thought that building reflected him: all torn-down and abandoned.. , there was an army barrack at this place, due to which all the facilities are available here. ]. Begich Towers serves as a cozy condominium which features a post office, general store, police station, laundromat, hospital, mayors office, and a heated indoor pool. In Whittier's 99693 neighborhood, moving to this community offers plenty of nearby highlights. You can find Condos for sale in Begich Towers (if there are any available today) as well as all available Whittier AK Condos for sale on my website. "But, I've gotten used to it.". The Hodge and the Buckner Composite building, dubbed a city under one roof, are the largest most modern inhabited structures built by the Corps of Engineers since the Pentagon.. Isolated By. Whittier AK is located just fifty miles outside of Anchorage. The military eventually withdrew from Whittier before the Cold War facilities were fully utilized, leaving the mostly vacant buildings to the town. The military was drawn to Whittier for many reasons, primarily because it is the states only year-round ice-free deep-water port. When we shot this photo, the wind was blowing upwards of 60 mph and there were no other customers in the bar. ]. Now, a high rise does seem out of place here, but what's more surprising is, the Begich Towers (as they're officially called) is about the only place to live in all of Whittier. Since the vehicular passage in the tunnel is one lane, inbound and outbound traffic is staggered in fifteen minute intervals twice per hour; in the winter this shrinks to five-minute windows to keep the tunnel warm. Like everyone who lives on the harbor-facing side of Begich Towers, June keeps a pair of binoculars on her windowsill. Hospital To Police Station: This 14 Storey Building Houses A Complete Town In It, Copyright 2020 Times Internet Limited. The oldest surviving structure from this occupation is the Alaska Communication Systems (ACS) building, also the oldest concrete structure in Whittier (pictured below, source). The building is composed of brick and steel, making it safe . He and the other students sell their vegetables in the lobby of Begich Towers. "You do! It was promoted as the City Under One Roof.. Electric Sunroof, Head Up Display & Other Features That Make The All New Hot & Techy Brezza A Hit. ", Gary Carr works at the Kozy Korner Store, which is housed on the ground floor of Begich Towers. After the army left in 1960, Whittier citizens took over the building's 196 units. The complex has a shop . What is now the Begich Towers was part of that plan. A fitness centre and several cafes located near the house have also been built to the service of local residents. For the rest of the 1960s, Whittiers population fluctuated between forty and seventy people. While the United States was engaged in World War II, resources were temporarily diverted away from Whittier, leaving little activity in the area for the next five years. That's what fills my bucket, and that's why I want to stay.". Home Details for 401 Begich Towers Property Information Year Built Year Built: 1940 LGBTQ Local Legal Protections Homes for Rent Near 401 Begich Towers Off Market Homes Near 401 Begich Towers 401 Begich Towers, Whittier, AK 99693 is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 740 sqft property built in 1940. Nearly all of Whittiers population lives in this 14-story building. Another Good Friday disaster would strike in March of 1989. In the process he stopped up the plumbing on the floors below hima neighbor called city management to complain that someone had flushed large amounts of dog food down the toilets, but it turned out to be pellets of grow medium. Find AK real estate agents $175.00. Some have a combination of all four!. Heres How To Choose, Where To Buy & More. While following the Rolling Stones across the country during their 1972 tour, Jim Bell found a discarded cardboard sign on the side of the road that read: ALASKA. On a whim he picked it up and stuck his thumb out. The structure is notable for operating like a small-scale arcology, being the residence for nearly the entire population of the city, as well as containing many of its public facilities. Great 2 Bedroom Condo with beautiful views of the mountains. But it poses such a liability hazard that the city finally put a fence around it last fall. ]. The boiler is a problem, and most people complain about the drab military colors inside. Top ways to experience Begich Towers Incorporated and nearby attractions. Adjustment is not easy, nor guaranteed, for those who make an attempt. In the 1950s the United States government built a bunker of a residential skyscraper in the Alaskan wilderness. Whittier started to emerge from the Armys shadow when the city was officially incorporated in 1969. The purpose of the bomb-proof mid-century Hodge Building was to support a remote logistics station in Whittier, Alaska. The average 3 Bedroom Apartment in Whittier is $1,585. Whats it like inside? At night the tunnel is closed. . Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Protect yourself from fraud. It's home.". Grounds are kept in excellent condition. It can shatter windshields and rip your car doors right off. Residents sell food and crafts to visitors, but most of the tourists money goes straight out the tunnel. Begich Towers 110 Kenai Street, Whittier, AK 99693 Studio Beds Property Information 196 Units 14 Stories Built in 1956 Begich Towers Description Experience Whittier living at Begich Towers. It was built by the military during the Cold War as a no-frills barracks. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The tower was built in the 1950s and features elevators. It is 14 floors high and is made up of three modules connected together. For the dozens of children who live here, the building connects to the school through an underground tunnel. Later people started living here and it became an apartment. Theres no real threat of crime or terrorism. During his tenure, Lester has been interested in gaining exposure for Whittier and really putting it on the map; he has recently been in talks with two reality television production companies and the producers of a Gerard Butler submarine movie. Tourism is a source of income for the town, although its guests tend to have brief visits. If there is a fire, at least everyone will stay warm. In the US state of Alaska, there is a town called Whittier. ]. Of course, not all residents are friends with each other, but they help each other if required. Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. Most of the 200-odd residents of the Alaskan town of Whittier all live in the same 14-story condominium - Begich Towers - located on the edge of town. from . Each office independently owned and operated. If youre the ultimate homebodyWhittier, Alaska may be your dream destination. "But, everything's here. However, things are changing here. Whittier residents who ventured to Anchorage for an evening of fun, and missed the 10:30 tunnel cut off time have been known to spend the night in their car. "We don't need all of the so-called conveniences of a large city. A skeleton crew stayed behind while the buildings were realigned as a sub-installation of AnchoragesFort Richardson. Due to bad weather and roads, locals are not able to go anywhere and if they somehow manage to go out, they face lots of problems while coming back because there is no direct way to reach this place. ", Cowan asked Jenessa, "What are people asking the most? Dental health aides spend two years learning basic dental care, and are then stationed in a remote community; they offer preventative services and perform basic procedures like fillings and extractions, so that when the dentist comes to town he can focus on more complex dental problems. And some people love it because it can be reclusive.. Call or text 9073010189 for information on Buyer's Representation Services(NO COST TO HOME BUYERS). With most of the community and its services either inside of or connected to the building, residents are able to remain inside the building for long periods of time if the weather is inclement, or they simply do not want to leave. The building has Internet access and cable, and most rooms have WiFi. They do take care of their own here breakfast for the kids is often made by the teachers, and during COVID is delivered right to the doorsteps of students. The windows are being replaced to protect the building from water damage. The Buckner Building over here was named after General Buckner. Whittier operates under a city manager form of government, which means that the mayor serves mainly as a figurehead. Photos from a recent listing: In Whittier population turnover can be high, understandable given the lack of consistent, year-round work. The other is the Buckner building. It was built by the military in 1956 for soldiers and their families and later became a home for civilians in 1973. Use the map to locate points of interest like shopping, restaurants, andhealth care services. The former Army barracks is often described. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, with views of an inlet filled with whales, otters and puffins, tucked below a rocky mountain vista sits the Begich Towers. "I read yellow is a happy color," Dempster said. The structure stands 14 stories high with a rectangular plan and a flat roof. Enjoy the excellent mountain and waterfall views from this 2 bedroom, 1 bath fifth floor condo in Begich Towers. "There's not a lot of, you know, single people in their twenties and thirties here I mean, I don't know why!" Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}604620N 1484108W / 60.77222N 148.68556W / 60.77222; -148.68556 In the winter he keeps warm with space heaters and staves off boredom by watching movies and reading books on his iPad. You will not be disappointed if you end up living here. Subscribe to Indiatimes and get handpicked updates based on your interests! Dock hands who unload the supply barges in Whittier also shuttle in from Anchorage once a week. The shore is lined with small stores that open up during tourist season. The Begich Tower was built by the U.S. Army in 1952 to be used as a barracks during the Cold War. The Buckner, as it was called, was the social center for the posts military, civilian and dependent population. ", Beverly Walts has been bartending at the Anchor Inn ever since she moved to Whittier from Texas in the early 1990s. "The law says you can't have drugs within 500 feet of a school; there's not a unit in this building that's 500 feet from the school, but we have the right-to-privacy issue.". / CBS News. Alaska Railroad is the largest land owner, but it doesnt pay property taxes and employs few locals. Built by the US Army in the 1950s, BTI originally housed officers and their families, and though its concrete walls have since been given a cheerful paint job, the fortress-like, institutional feel remains. Recreational activities near Begich Towers Apartments are plentiful. Your browser is not currently supported. Powered by "Yeah, it's a very strange town, because there's only one way in and one way out," said resident Lee Shuford. A visitor recounted a conversation with the resident volunteer firefighter when apainfully loud fire alarm went off inside BTI. Listing content scraping by unauthorized personnel is strictly prohibited. The Buckner Building housed, among other things, a bowling alley, a movie theater, a shooting range, a barbershop, and a six-cell jail. The town of Whittier, AK is served by a tunnel with a toll of $13 per round trip. The building was built in 1956 and duringWorld War II, there was an army barrack at this place, due to which all the facilities are available here. Residents must learn to love their neighbors because despite Whittiersisolation from the rest of the world, living in a tower with the rest of the town offers an experience devoid of privacy. People in Whittier get out of their cars carefully; the wind has been known to shatter windshields and bend car doors backwards. The weather might prevent you from leaving the building for months at a time but you can go to the Kozy Korner grocery store in pajamas and slippers. The building was designed in 1953 by Anton Anderson to host the headquarters of the US Army Corps of Engineers. A museum about the Japanese occupation of Alaska during World War II, an abandoned army barracks called the Buckner Building which once housed Whittier residents as Begich Towers does today, and a handful of delectable restaurants that serve fresh seafood are some other points of interest. Did you know about these amazing buildings before? In addition to the residential areas, the building contains the basic services for condo owners and guests: a post office, a general store and a laundromat. Charming small towns like Whittier are one of many reasons that Alaska is a place that every seasoned traveler must visit at least once. Whittier is relatively close to Anchorage, Alaskabut it is still difficult to access. Inside, sets of branched corridors and elevators allow residents access to all areas of the complex. Adventure Tours. Start a conversation, not a fire. Most of the towers 1,200 residents at the time all Army personnel were reassigned elsewhere. The monthly dues cover the heat, electricity, exterior and groundsmaintenance, garbage service, water and sewer service, and snow removal. Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Watch Live: Garland testifies amid ongoing special counsel investigations.
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