The Begich Towers in Whittier, Alaska, is one of the most intriguing buildings in the world. Known for housing nearly the entire population of this small, remote town, the building serves as a self-contained microcosm where residents live, work, and play under one roof. Its history, function, and community impact are as fascinating as its unique design and location.
History of Begich Towers
1. Military Origins
The Begich Towers, originally called the Hodge Building, was constructed in 1956 by the U.S. Army as part of a Cold War military complex. It was designed to withstand the harsh Alaskan climate and provide secure accommodations for military personnel stationed in Whittier, a strategic port due to its proximity to Anchorage and its location near the Gulf of Alaska.
The building features 14 stories and was constructed using reinforced concrete, making it resilient against earthquakes, high winds, and extreme cold. Its design reflected the era’s military priorities: durability, efficiency, and functionality.
2. Transformation into a Civilian Hub
After the military withdrew from Whittier in the 1960s, the Hodge Building was repurposed for civilian use. It was renamed the Begich Towers in honor of U.S. Representative Nick Begich, who disappeared in a plane crash in 1972.
Whittier transitioned into a small, close-knit community, and the Begich Towers became the focal point of daily life. Today, the building houses most of Whittier’s roughly 300 residents, earning it the nickname “the town under one roof.”
The Self-Contained World of Begich Towers
The Begich Towers is more than just an apartment complex—it’s an entire community encapsulated in one building. Here’s what it contains:
1. Residential Units
- The building features 150 apartments of various sizes, housing nearly all of Whittier’s permanent residents.
- Many apartments offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, Prince William Sound, and glaciers.
2. Essential Services
- A post office and grocery store are located within the building, ensuring residents can meet their basic needs without venturing into the often harsh Alaskan weather.
- Municipal offices, including the city administration, are housed in the building, making local governance easily accessible.
3. Education
- The Begich Towers hosts a school, which serves the children of Whittier and provides classrooms, recreational facilities, and extracurricular programs. Students often grow up entirely within this unique community.
4. Recreation
- The building includes a gymnasium, a community room, and a laundry facility, offering spaces for leisure and social interaction.
- Regular community events, such as movie nights and potlucks, strengthen the bond among residents.
5. Emergency Services
- A police station and clinic are also part of the complex, ensuring safety and health services are readily available to the community.
Airbnb and Tourism at Begich Towers
1. Airbnb Rentals
In recent years, some residents have started listing their apartments on Airbnb, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique charm of living in Begich Towers. These rentals provide:
- A glimpse into the self-contained lifestyle of Whittier residents.
- Proximity to stunning natural attractions, including hiking trails, kayaking routes, and wildlife viewing spots.
Staying in Begich Towers allows tourists to immerse themselves in Whittier’s quirky culture while enjoying the comforts of a fully equipped building.
2. Tourism in Whittier
Whittier is often called the “Gateway to Prince William Sound.” Tourists come to explore:
- Glaciers: Visitors can take boat tours to see majestic tidewater glaciers.
- Wildlife: The area is home to whales, sea otters, and bald eagles.
- Hiking: Trails like Portage Pass offer breathtaking views of Alaska’s rugged wilderness.
The Begich Towers often serves as a base for these adventures, with Airbnb rentals making it accessible to visitors.
Community Life in Begich Towers
Living in a building where everyone knows everyone fosters a unique sense of community. Residents often describe it as:
- A Village Atmosphere: Neighbors look out for one another, sharing resources and supporting each other through the long, cold winters.
- Efficient and Practical: The centralization of essential services minimizes the need for travel, which can be challenging in harsh weather conditions.
However, this lifestyle isn’t for everyone. The close quarters and shared spaces can sometimes lead to privacy concerns or conflicts, though most residents appreciate the building’s sense of unity.
Unique Features of Begich Towers
1. Climate Adaptation
Whittier experiences extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy snow, and prolonged periods of darkness in winter. The Begich Towers is designed to protect its residents from these harsh conditions:
- Underground Tunnel: A tunnel connects the building to the harbor and other parts of town, allowing residents to move around without braving the elements.
- Energy Efficiency: The building is insulated to retain heat and minimize energy consumption.
2. Remote Living
Whittier is accessible by a single road through a 2.5-mile tunnel—the longest highway tunnel in North America. This isolation has shaped the town’s dependence on the Begich Towers and contributed to its unique character.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the Begich Towers is an architectural and social marvel, it isn’t without challenges:
- Maintenance: The aging infrastructure requires constant upkeep, which can be costly for the small community.
- Limited Space: Residents must make do with limited living space, which can feel confining during the long Alaskan winters.
- Economic Constraints: Whittier’s economy relies heavily on tourism and fishing, making it vulnerable to external factors like seasonal fluctuations and environmental changes.
Begich Towers: A Symbol of Resilience
The Begich Towers stands as a testament to human adaptability and resilience. Its design and function showcase the ingenuity required to thrive in remote, extreme environments. For Whittier’s residents, the building is more than a home—it’s a lifeline, a community hub, and a way of life.
Whether you’re a visitor intrigued by its unique charm or a local who calls it home, the Begich Towers offers a rare glimpse into a world where people have turned isolation into a connected, supportive community. It’s a symbol of how architecture can shape and define a way of life, proving that even in the most challenging conditions, humanity can flourish.