Imagine a whole city living together like a giant, cosy family under a single roof. Whittier, Alaska, takes communal living to a whole new level with their 14-story Begich Towers. It’s like the world’s tallest dormitory, where you can grab your groceries, pop down to the post office, and maybe even bump into your neighbour while doing your laundry—all without stepping outside.
Nestled amidst glaciers and snow-capped mountains, this enclave of approximately 273 residents calls Begich Towers their not-so-humble abode. Now, you might be thinking that living under one roof with your neighbours is just an urban legend. Might be. But it’s also the Alaskan way of life.
Forget about your average city block; Whittier packs everything you need on the first floor of a 14-story building. Need groceries? Check. Feeling adventurous? How about a stroll to the police station or post office?
Well, while some folks in Whittier high-five over the joy of having everything within a stumble downstairs, ready to hunker down like hermit crabs at the first sign of a snowflake storm, others are less thrilled about playing hide-and-seek with their sanity within the same four walls.
And let’s not forget the Whittier School, where they’ve literally paved the way for lazy winter mornings by connecting it to a tunnel.
The first floor of the Whittier building is a bustling hub of activity. On one side, you’ve got the long arm of the law keeping things in check at the police station, while on the other, you can mail your grandma a postcard from the comfort of your own city block.
Venture a little further, and you’ll stumble upon the nerve centre of governance, where bureaucrats bustle about like caffeinated ants.
Now, let’s rewind to 1956 when this building’s saga began. Originally an army barracks during World War II, it’s like they decided to trade in their guns for groceries and transform it into an apartment complex fit for civilian living.
With winds that could sweep you off your feet faster than a bad Tinder date and snowfall that could make Frosty the Snowman jealous, it’s no wonder folks prefer to huddle together under one roof like penguins in a blizzard.
The majority of town residents find employment at a nearby deep-water port just a stone’s throw away from their doorstep. To cater to the community’s needs, a fitness centre and several cafes have sprung up in close proximity to their homes. This setup not only offers convenience but also aids in cutting down on heating costs—an invaluable asset, particularly given the relentless gusts of wind, frequent snowfall and occasional rain that characterise the region throughout much of the year.
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