Skip to content

Self-Contained Apartment Complex, Begich Towers, Alaskan Town's Residential Heart, Boasts Sufficient Independence

Whittier, Alaska's primary residential complex, the Begich Towers, stands tall at 14 stories and accommodates the town's population of 272. Within this building, inhabitants have access to essential services such as a grocery store, post office, and police station.

Inside Begich Towers, the Self-Contained residential complex housing a significant portion of an...
Inside Begich Towers, the Self-Contained residential complex housing a significant portion of an Alaskan town community

Self-Contained Apartment Complex, Begich Towers, Alaskan Town's Residential Heart, Boasts Sufficient Independence

In the heart of Whittier, Alaska, lies Begich Towers, a distinctive residential complex that serves as a home for most of the town's 272 residents. Erika Thompson, a local teacher, describes the community as a close-knit group where everyone knows each other, and they have everything they need.

Begich Towers is more than just a building; it's a self-contained town. Inside its walls, you'll find a grocery store, a health clinic, a post office, a church, a playground, an indoor garden, a police station, and even underground tunnels leading to other buildings. This intricate network of interconnected structures gives the towers a unique charm, earning Whittier the nickname of a "town under one roof."

The towers also serve as a shelter from the region's harsh weather conditions. Whittier is no stranger to snowy winters, rainy summers, and tundra winds. But within Begich Towers, residents find a haven from the elements.

Mayor Dave Dickason, a proud resident of Whittier, prefers the community's lack of big box stores and modern conveniences found in large cities. He believes that Whittier's unique charm lies in its simplicity and the close-knit nature of its residents.

Terry Bender, another resident of Begich Towers, describes the living arrangement as having separate bedrooms in the same house. This communal living setup fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among the residents.

The Begich Towers Condominium was renamed in honour of Nick Begich Sr., a former congressman and long-time Whittier resident, after his death. The towers, with their noteworthy view of the surrounding landscape, offer a unique alternative to the hustle and bustle of big cities and even other small towns.

Life in Begich Towers is a far cry from the fast-paced, bustling life of a metropolis. Whittier attracts people who seek solitude and aim to create a unique city. The community's tight-knit nature, combined with its self-sufficient infrastructure, makes Begich Towers an appealing choice for those looking for a simpler way of life.

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel is the only way in or out of Whittier by car or train. Despite its isolation, the community thrives, thanks to its resilient residents and their shared vision of creating a unique, self-sufficient town. Living in Begich Towers offers a unique alternative to the traditional city or small-town life, providing a sense of community and a connection to nature that is hard to find elsewhere.

Read also:

Latest