An Alaska town living under one roof

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. Correspondent Lee Cowan journeyed to Whittier to find out what it's like for virtually the entire population to live at the same address.

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[parkedjeep]

Employee: Sorry I was late for work. There was traffic.
Boss: we all live and work in the same building! What do you mean?!

[yungk]

"Where you from dawg?!"
"Downstairs foo!!"

[Reyna_Brown_]

One time we were hit by a winter storm and got stuck in a vacation resort for over a week. It was like this. We each had our rooms “house”. We ate there in their restaurant. We shopped there in their lil store. We’d exercise there in their gym. We’d hang out in the lobby. It was weird. After the storm we all felt sad saying bye to each other. Like, we got used to that lil community.

[stevenattaway]

My wife and I went up and visited Whittier a couple years ago, it was beautiful and the people were so kind. It seems like such a great place to live.

[islandgirl]

Bravo to the 18 year old for getting her town noticed.

[Paul-jzlv]

Was there in the early 80’s, looks a lot nicer now.

[margaretmalaquias]

I loved living there during Summer of 1989, during summer break from grad school. I lived in that building and the view was amazing especially when the cruise ships would come into harbor. That was truly one of my favorite summers as I learned so much and had incredible adventures. Thanks so much Whittier for the gifts of Summer of 1989!

[ejohnson]

This is actually really smart. No frozen pipes in the permafrost, no commuting through icy roads, heating bills are probably lower than trying to heat each house.

[izzy]

When I see stories of remote areas like this I find their softly spoken nature almost intoxicating especially now when so much of our world is in flux.

[sahpem]

I would totally live there. Small towns have magic in them, you’re never alone. It’s easier to feel lonely on a city.

[phillipmorel]

I grew up in Anchorage and I always loved visiting that quiet little town.
They got great fudge

[alaynesecor]

I have visited this town as part of an Alaska tour. It is strange and beautiful. I would go back again.

[BraulioMontelongo]

I live in Alaska and go to Whittier all the time. That long tunnel through the mountain is a crazy experience! Portage Pass Trail right next Whittier takes about 45 minutes to reach the top of the mountain. Nothing but wilderness and snowy mountains after that. No civilization (except bears & moose). Its an amazing experience. I love my state

[canyonwonder]

I've been here. There's another large building in town that they didn't show. A creepy old large abandoned military bunker. You can't miss it.

[tyler]

I just went into this building yesterday, and it's absolutely magical. Whittier is amazing.

[caronstout]

This would be the ideal site for a military vs alien/zombies movie.

[vickimeyers]

It takes a certain kind of person to live n Whittier. People who live there enjoy the simpler things in life and appreciate what they have. They also have the ability to accept others as they are, without placing their own expectations on them. The magnificence and beauty of the scenery is awe inspiring.

[eddyb]

As a guy in a wheelchair, this sounds pretty awesome.

[bresams]

Ugh! No crime, horrible traffic & Nice people. Just wonderful ❤️

[pamelamays]

"I had to walk through an underground tunnel to and from school when I was your age!"
All kidding aside, if the residents are happy and living good lives, kudos to them!