This Tiny Alaskan Town Has Nearly Everyone Living Under One Roof

Nestled along Prince William Sound in Southcentral Alaska lies the remote, rugged town of Whittier – accessible only by boat, plane, or a 2.5 mile one-lane tunnel carved into surrounding mountains. With its stunning glacier views and abundant wildlife, Whittier is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Yet this isolated community of under 300 people has gained fame for an entirely different reason: nearly all its residents inhabit the same building.

Welcome to Begich Towers, a 14-story structure originally built in the 1950s as military housing that now contains virtually Whittier’s entire population. Functioning almost like a miniature village within one tower, this unique living arrangement was born out of necessity in this inhospitable environment.

So how did Whittier come to cram its community under one roof? The origins trace back to World War II when the town was constructed as an army base and secret port. Whittier’s strategic location allowed covert movement of troops and supplies away from main routes vulnerable to attack. After the war it became a Cold War outpost, eventually downsizing as military presence waned.

By the 1960s only a few hundred residents remained in the decommissioned barracks scattered around the area. Seeking shelter from Whittier’s long, brutal winters and isolation, most eventually consolidated into Begich Towers. Constructed with military-grade resilience, this single massive structure provided cozy apartments safe from the elements along with shops, offices, storage, laundry, and recreation all conveniently under one roof.

Over time as the town grew dependent on fishing, Begich Towers started housing more civilians while still serving military families at the nearby base. When the tunnel connecting Whittier to the outside world opened in 2000, it propelled the economy through increased tourism. Still nearly everyone opted to stay snug inside the building rather than spread out across town.

So what’s life actually like living in this unique 14-story village? According to residents, it fosters an unusually lively community where everyone knows their neighbors. Kids can safely run and play in indoor hallways, neighbors casually converse on elevator rides, and residents enjoy convenient access to facilities. Property manager John Smith says, “We proudly think of ourselves as a big family. Plus not having to go outside in harsh weather is a huge perk!”

Of course challenges crop up too in such a condensed space. Gossip spreads rapidly and privacy can be hard to come by. The population skews older, so accommodating families proves difficult. With only 150 units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, there’s currently a waitlist for housing since living alone elsewhere in Whittier isn’t feasible.

Still, residents insist the building’s communal perks outweigh its quirks. Joe Murphy, who’s lived here 15 years says, “I love that our kids have so many built-in playmates. My wife and I enjoy the easy social life – we’ll casually chat in the sauna or run into friends at the grocery downstairs.”

And is everyone literally under one roof? Nearly – Begich Towers houses about 80% of Whittier’s population. The school and a few scattered houses and inns make up the rest of this delightfully quirky community. While admittedly unconventional, life bundled up together has allowed Whittier’s close-knit community to not just survive but thrive against the odds – proving that sometimes a little coziness goes a long way.