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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[@yungk6043]

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

[@costcocombopizza8229]

ALL ABOUT THE UPSIDE! YOU ON THA WRONG FLOOR!

[@FATHERSOFBASS]

Lol

[@user-cj8ue8uu6s]

Is it just me or does your comment say “23 years ago” 👀🧐

[@costcocombopizza8229]

@@user-cj8ue8uu6s Just noticed that!

[@-.SweetBaby.-]

@@costcocombopizza8229 They manually put that in their username lol

[@parkedjeep96]

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

[@bobby_greene]

Employee: Bill got a new couch and I got stuck behind him moving it down the hall

[@alfredoalcantar8691]

😂 kavin hart joke

[@jeffb.140]

I got into the elevator rush hour

[@brianlacroix822]

the one elevator broke!

[@meloh]

Need rewrite the words to Manic Monday!

[@eddyb1596]

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

[@benaffleckisanokayactor]

how so?

[@Mugenri]

@@benaffleckisanokayactor I mean just think about it for 10 seconds

[@lancinekeita4823]

Maybe he needs 10 more seconds

[@Brucev7]

Close Community

[@eddyb1596]

@@benaffleckisanokayactor a complete community enclosed in a single building. No traveling, not having to load up in vehicles or deal with weather or the elements. It's all accessible with no stairs. It's like a Cripples utopia.

[@LaEscuelaDelEncanto]

“Every kid is seen” that’s beautiful

[@kehindeemiabata4032]

Thats because theres only 3 kids there thats why

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

I prefer invisible children

[@ashutoshsingh7016]

The Bluth family disapproves.

[@islandgirl8914]

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

[@Johnaxandra]

Anyone know how to find her on Tiktok ?

[@waltholm]

@@Johnaxandra search for their @. it is @messy.nessy

[@Johnaxandra]

@@waltholm Thanks!

[@ImpetuousPorkus]

No, PBS and CNN visited this place almost a decade ago. Before tiktok was around and before this girl could even have posted on social media about it. All you have to do is literally look in the related videos section to see that it’s been posted about before.

[@janepatton8100]

Had little to do with her per say. There's been several pieces done on the town before either she or Tik Tok existed.

[@caronstout354]

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

[@slowbro1337]

A perfect setting for John Carpenter's The Thing reboot he has been wanting to make

[@mariapagan7786]

A Resident Evil installment perhaps?

[@Defied_-vw2jz]

A Horror movie, "The Postal man"

[@chandelballard6427]

I don't think so. Every bit of that building probably has a purpose and to block off an amount of it for some time so that no one living there can use it is not ideal.

[@dawtesla]

They're warming people up to the new US megaregions. Where people will live in stack & packs in concentrated cities. America 2050

[@Paul-jz1lv]

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

[@izzy9132]

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.

[@heartstrings7814]

I feel the exact same.

[@brandoYT]

Minimal government allows people to be natural - killing humans is not - see any of our 8 never ending wars.

[@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.

[@chels1542]

That sounds like a weird fever dream 😂

[@camillephillips3524]

That sounds fun

[@Emiliapocalypse]

I would watch a movie about that. I was once told about a movie from the 60’s (?maybe?) about traffic gridlock so bad that the people on the highway started to get to know one another. Don’t know how that movie ended, but it’s always interesting when people who don’t know one another get sorta “trapped in an elevator” together and kinda bond.

[@pugsabi]

@@Emiliapocalypse I never watched the documentary you're taking about, but I remember when there was a traffic jam in Beijing that lastest almost 2 weeks.

[@kxlot79]

@@Emiliapocalypse this happens in real life! The last one I was in, the cars around me started barbecuing and blasting their stereos! Right on the highway! Obama had come to town and shut down the road for almost 2 hours. 🤣🤣🤣

[@IDunnoYouTellMe2152]

I grew up in Anchorage. I was 7, when I first visited Whittier. I caught my first fish there! Beautiful place.

[@eliubfj]

@Matt B. Well would you look at that, New friendships blossoming under KZbin's roof

[@anhanh8724]

@Matt B. Ella está diciendo que creció en Anchorage...

[@Polyglot_English]

Детерминизм это Свобода 🤙

[@bradleyisensee7537]

Ok

[@crissssseee]

☠️

[@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.

[@mrpiccaso6517]

May I ask where you stay do you like rent a room in that building because I would love to go up and check it out and I think I’d love to live there I’ve always wanted to live in Alaska

[@SOCALHD]

What do you do there as a tourist? Can you go in “the building.”

[@stevenattaway]

​@@SOCALHD We stayed in Anchorage and drove there for the day. Things to note: there is a fee to go through the tunnel, but there are a lot of places that offer free tickets for tourist. Also, keep an eye on the schedule, if I remember correctly they only open the tunnel for one direction every 30 minutes and they close it for the day at 6, if I remember correctly.

[@SOCALHD]

@@stevenattaway But what are you able to do while you're there?

[@stevenattaway]

@@SOCALHD It's Alaska so viewing scenery is the top option. I'm sure there's other things to do, but we didn't do much while we were there.

[@ralphomholt7239]

I used to live in Whittier, as a kid, before the Begich Towers building was constructed. - and even before the Army Buckner Building was constructed - when the original Army Post was an interconnected maze of Quonset huts. I spent a lot of time wandering around the halls of the Buckner Building, which used to be an I interesting place, in its own right. I don't recall the numbers, but it was a sizable Army Post under one roof - now abandoned and decayed by the elements; but still a massive and strong structure, even in its 'shell' state. Whittier has gone through a lot of changes over the years. It used to be a hustling Army 'town,' with the federally owned Alaska Railroad - now privately owned - activities in second place. Whittier used to get an ungodly amount of snow, with seriously short daylight, due to the surrounding mountains. Thus, Whittier can potentially be a "depression hazard," with the added hazard of "Cabin Fever." Definitely not a healthy place, come winter, for anyone disposed to alcoholism and/or drug problems. While little appreciated, Whittier has an interesting military history, dating to W.W. II, particularly after the Japanese invaded the Aleutian islands. It's very certain that it takes a special character and personality to live in Whittier on a year-round basis. Preferably in the format of a couple, with a healthy relationship, able to contribute to the "small town" nature of Whittier and Alaska, in general. It would be vital to keep active in some productive fashion, and be able to easily and actively socialize, lest a variant of "The Shining" evolve. Luckily, it's not particularly difficult to 'escape' to Anchorage for whatever reason, including a "sanity vacation." However, Anchorage has more than its share of drug and alcohol related 'problems,' thus caution is advised. Any related 'problems' can occur as a total surprise, even if caution is appropriately employed. In contrast, Whittier might be better appreciated, than one might otherwise value. Not much of Alaska is less than an adventure for anyone living there in excess of six months out of a year. How many appreciate that Alaska starts out as the northernmost, westernmost and easternmost state in the US, as the Aleutian Chain extends into the Eastern Hemisphere; bordered by Russia to the West and Canada to the East. After that, Alaska can get seriously interesting; and reliably so. Those who don't keep a serious journal/diary - add loads of pictures and videos - are cheating themselves and family out of a great legacy. The key is to include as many truly interesting accounts of others, as well, hopefully adequately annotated as to the source and timeframe. In places such as Whittier, should life get boring; give it another fifteen minutes. Worst case, check the news in the Lower 49 (remembering that Hawaii is the southernmost state); and be grateful to be so far from such chaos. WELL, there's always Anchorage if you're somehow desperate or homesick for a little bit of that chaos. It's nice to have such as purely an option - AND internet service, of course. All that under one roof - WOW! It wasn't like that when I was a kid, I guess I should get serious about an autobiography, while my memories are still available. Those were interesting times, as well. The Cold War started, the Korean War, then there was Mccarthyism, the Whittier docks fire; and radio shows like Amos and Andy, The FBI in Peace and War, Fibber McGee and Molly and occasional trips to Anchorage, with black and white TV at the Anchorage Hotel .....

[@N-T.My.T]

Eloquently written 🥰 you should write a biography 😍

[@severedyakhead9702]

It looks like an old style Soviet building

[@jtstacey83]

Well, they did say that it was built as a no-frills U.S. military barracks. Old Soviet buildings were designed and built to be function over form and extremely cheap.

[@ritemolawbks8012]

That was one of the closest American cities to the former Soviet Union.

[@richardstonyisland9719]

Looks like a Chicago project building

[@carrie-leehurzeler7413]

You are right! The nature around the town is beautiful but the town itself is hideous.

[@ccharles848]

That’s what I was thinking too!

[@margaretmalaquias9135]

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!

[@rodolfo7077]

Not the same living there for 1 summer compare to all the time though

[@margaretmalaquias9135]

@@rodolfo7077 Agree with you that 1 summer does not compare to living there year round. To confirm, my message was one of gratitude as the locals I met and worked with were wonderful, warm and funny and it was a happy adventure for me

[@moose_squirrel_colombo5786]

@@margaretmalaquias9135 that’s so sweet 🥺❤️

[@brysonbradford8622]

Cruise ships came in the harbor? Was it a port of call or a embarking and debarking port?

[@margaretmalaquias9135]

@@brysonbradford8622 yes, it was an embarking point for Princess Cruise ships. We would transport the cruise ship passengers by train from Whittier to Anchorage and pick up the new group to bring to the cruise ships in Whittier.

[@aapp953]

This is heaven for introverts like myself!

[@bresams2917]

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

[@sahpem4425]

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

[@mitakpa77]

our small town have cows and chicken. no magic.

[@danielmims8467]

I lived outside of Anchorage and there's a saying ," it's always shittier in Whittier"

[@justinriley4063]

I live in Alaska and its filled with the biggest alcoholics I've ever met in my life. It truly sucks here.

[@danielmims8467]

@@justinriley4063 Yeah I must say I drank more there than I ever had. But I know what you mean, it is bad when the federal courthouse has drunks passed out on the front lawn in Anchorage. But I do miss it man. Not so much the winter months but from April to October to see those season change so quick is amazing. I got severely depressed in the winters though. Had to take vacations. But I do miss it and I actually do like Whittier , never been in that building but I love portage glacier and lake.

[@bellaapple2166]

Small towns are also dark and filled with secrets buried amongst each other. I lived in a small town once and I did everything to leave and move back to NY. It was such a bad experience. Small towns keep their good reputations by hiding the dark things that go on.

[@ejohnson3131]

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.

[@treed6953]

All those "benefits" are also vulnerabilities. Diseases can spread much more easily. If any of the life support systems fail everybody is in danger at -20 degrees. They can't all run to a neighbor. Also, there aren't any wood stoves. So, presumably they rely on a logistics chain for fuel...yet another vulnerability. I could go on.

[@fabiantaveras8458]

@@treed6953 it has it's draw back's but thanks to it's isolation dealing with covid is far more easier than a City like LA which has mountains of covid case's and deaths. Second this thing was a former military barack so 1. It's built to last and second I'm certain that the people living there and the military that built it are acutely aware of Alaska's cold winter's and have robust life support. Finally third virtually every City depends on a logistical chain lol there are hardly any cities that are truly self sufficient. LA doesn't make it's own oil, LA doesn't produce it's own food and LA doesn't make it's own clothing or electronics, sure sounds like it relies on a logistical chain just everyone else. There are vulnerabilities associated with practically anywhere you live.

[@treed6953]

@@fabiantaveras8458 You are kind of making my point about concentration when you point to the high numbers of COVID cases in LA. You want to hear my story about going three days without heat in the Afghan winter when the power plant malfunctioned? Trust me nothing particularly reliable about army billeting!

[@atonewiththedust]

@@treed6953 L.A. is not exactly the most dense city in the world.

[@valeriy8502]

There are many benefits to being concentrated in one place, the chances of covid getting into the building seems slim, and having wood fired heat would be a good plan.

[@EBUNNY2012]

Looks like a good life. A simple life. A good life. "A foolish man complicates the simple and a wise man simplifies the complicated." -brian padrick drake

[@phillipmorel5116]

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

[@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.

[@63artemisia63]

I thought the apartment building was the creepy old military bunker. No?

[@glindajo]

Thought it would be a great setting for a horror film

[@canyonwonder]

@@63artemisia63 nope they're separate buildings, though not far apart

[@akdreaming]

That’s the old Buckner building. It’s an abandoned military building.

[@vintagesparkles4289]

i drove past that abandoned military bunker when i visited whittier and i saw a noose hanging in one of the rooms

[@0111DTheProphet]

They better have damn good firefighters

[@0111DTheProphet]

@@BarnabasCollinsXIII that doesnt mean fires cant be damaging

[@sequoiaedwards4782]

@@BarnabasCollinsXIII I was in the military and seen plenty of barracks burn down.

[@safety_sid]

Even better. They have a damn good sprinkler system.

[@rpach3023]

There's a firefighter on every floor.

[@brianlacroix822]

guess where their firefighters live

[@vickimeyers2672]

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.

[@Skippy2k33]

Did anyone notice how calming everyone's voices are? Stress free living!

[@igorlevska433]

Yes..

[@Sam-fg9lf]

Yes almost as if they are programmed.

[@sudmuck]

@@Sam-fg9lf Explain please, or is the way your living now making you so miserable that you cany imagine a community where people trust & get along with each other?

[@Sam-fg9lf]

@@sudmuck hm you must be one of them? Your comment is a year late.

[@alaynesecor6801]

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

[@bunnyluuuvvv]

There’s tours that take you to different places in Alaska?!? Was it a cruise ship that went to different ports? And how can I find more info?

[@happyfamily1298]

@@bunnyluuuvvvI know this is late,but we just returned last week from Whittier/Girdwood/Anchorage. We stayed at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood (I’d recommend to try late May or late August into September for high season rates to go down, but more mild weather) and drove to Whittier, spending some time at the local shops and talking with the friendly locals, then we went on a 5.5-hr glacier cruise that departs from Whittier. Absolutely magical!

[@pamelamays4186]

"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!

[@OIII-IOOO]

“and it was uphill both ways!”

[@terriestapley5475]

😄😆🤣

[@themonkeyhand]

@@OIII-IOOO If the tunnel dips in the middle, they wouldn't be lying.

[@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

[@MrDmcty1]

I have been to Whittier multiple times! Anchor inn was the bar to go to every time. My Cruise ship would dock around 11pm once every two weeks to pick up guest from Denali, and all of us crew would go out to the bar and drink and then go to the Chinese buffet to cure the hangover before getting back on board to start the cruise. Whittier is a very interesting place, but also very charming. I was also able to hike portage glacier and it was STUNNING!

[@user-hl9ww3ml2m]

I don’t think I personally would want to live here, but I can totally see the appeal for some people, and I’d love to at least visit it some day

[@SL-lz9jr]

Same. It’s not for me but that’s the beauty of this country. A little bit of something to meet everyone’s lifestyle

[@razorxyooj9703]

you should, I live in Anchorage and I go there for fishing. Driving through the tunnel is also pretty cool!

[@brysonbradford8622]

Some cruises go there apparently

[@foxopossum]

Yes indeed. Same here.

[@user-hl9ww3ml2m]

@@brysonbradford8622 yeah, I’ve always wanted to do that! Hopefully I can someday.

[@TheBlueCopperrrX]

Alaskan here... I’d like to add it’s one of the best Halibut fishing ports in the World!! Shoot, best fish and chips you could imagine🤯🤯

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

👍👍👍 sounds so good !

[@miguelmacias8177]

Dammit, you just made me hungry

[@erikgonzalez2278]

thanks for the tip I will have to visit when I visit anchorage

[@classproject00111]

Who cares about fishing? Ew!

[@ryansupak3639]

[@easterrabbit89]

"Just A Small Town Girl Living In A Lonely World, She Took The Midnight Train Going Anywhere"

[@FirewindII]

Ding!

[@beringstraitrailway]

"Some will win, and some will lose, some were born to sing the blues"

[@SoapinTrucker]

A fisherman in a smokey room The smell of whale and boiled legumes For a wood fire they can share the night It goes on and on, and on, and on

[@murkyevening]

Neighbors , waitin' Up and down the building Their shadows In position' for the night Hallways, people Livin' just to find some comfort Staying' in Whittier for the night

[@caseclosed9342]

Except the tunnel closes at night...

[@Flyingclam]

I love how they glossed over the fact that the railroad company owns all the land, which is why everyone lives in that Building. No one can build anything cause the wont/cant own the land the building would be on. As quirky as that building is, the current property ownership conditions in Whitter will stifle growth no matter the publicity.

[@SweetLou0523]

Glossed over? They outright stated it at 3:15 that the railroad owns "nearly all the inhabital land." I'd say that covers it.

[@cranscape]

I learned all that. From this very video. I think they were looking for understanding and pride rather than a population boom.

[@aquadragondavanin6745]

a town doesn't always have to grow. if they can house the people who live there that's all they need. i AM concerned about the railroad owning all the land though, with that kind of power the company could basically force everyone out. or change the town to fit the needs for profit instead of people.

[@basecaster]

As someone who has visited Whittier, there is nowhere for it to grow to. There is no more land to expand on....plus, in that part of Alaska you either fish or work for the railroad.

[@Una...]

@@basecaster I was wondering where the residents work. Thanks, that makes total sense!

[@tenn-gran9734]

My Air Force husband and our family were stationed in Anchorage in the 1970’s. There was no tunnel then, we wanted to see Whittier so we took a train there. The train stayed about 2 1/2 hours before return trip. We had time to look around and have lunch then the 5 of us returned to Elmendorf AFB early evening. Great memory.

[@awarenessvillage]

Interesting town.The whole concept is unique. I don't know that I could live there, but it makes some people happy. That's good enough for me.

[@sheldoneuos]

I'd love to live around good wholesome people like that if I was retired

[@jbenz1990]

I traveled to anchorage last week and we drove down to Whittier. Beautiful little town with great people and delicious food on the dock. They have a reindeer there and one of the boys asked my son if he wanted to feed the reindeer and he did. And Lu Young Park was beautiful!

[@LittleFriendsLearningTogether]

I spent the day at Whittier one day when I visited Anchorage. I definitely couldn't live there. It is an hour drive to Anchorage so at least you are close to the biggest city.

[@paulferrante5192]

Marianela W. Whittier, AK ... reminds me of John Denver's song... "Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio"....."you ask how I know of Toledo, Ohio...well I spent a week there one day"🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gilbertsalians6463]

I can imagine their being less mental health issues than that of larger cities being that communication is not only necessary but living in close proximity it begins to get very personal. So actual connection is made. Also I hope that guy meets a nice tourist pen pall

[@oh-]

Based on what I've heard from people who have actually lived there, I wouldn't say so. It's a very depressing town to live in.

[@Ikajo]

Small communities can also be small minded. Mental health has many causes and isn't simple. If they are like Sweden during winter it gets dark. Very, very dark. Which can cause seasonal depression. And Vitamin A deficiency. There didn't seem to be a clinic in the town so they can't easily access healthcare either.

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

@@Ikajo lol you think in terms like "small minded". how "small minded" of you.

[@pills-]

Less people also means when someone does have mental health problems, there is less expertise to help deal with it. Thankfully, Whittier isn't too far from help in Anchorage (though the trip there is kind of annoying). It's like any small town- there are good things and bad things about it. The only difference about Whittier is that they all live in the same building.

[@tyler1783]

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

[@carllittle4548]

I lived in Whittier two summers and one fall, 1972-1973. I loved it. I worked at the Sportsman's Inn, on a road crew and in the sawmill. Lots of adventures.

[@michaelsullens2564]

I organized the Whittier to Whittier trip back in 2000. 10 major educational stops on the net for Whittier California students. Assisted by RC Collin then Mayor. Great trip and destination. Was accomplished with dial up Internet. Cutting edge technology then. Partially sponsored by ESRI Redlands Ca. My son Thomas was the photographer. Came home to college and eventually became Editor for the Orange County Register. 4,000 miles one way. Trip of a life time.

[@carmencrespo5799]

Love their way of life very family oriented would not mind to live there at all!!!

[@porcorosso4330]

Well, until the 8 year old upstairs learn how to play basketball and think it is a good idea to practice it at home.

[@212days]

5:14 "What do you want people to know about Whittier?" "It's cold here."

[@williamsmith2490]

its how you stay warm which would be the interest.

[@TheLakingc]

Wish i had seen this 25 years ago. Love this!

[@Gravesend83]

I hope these people are happy living there. It’s a very interesting town.

[@MrPriebster]

I've heard of this town and seen other videos but it was great to get actual interviews from the residents

[@H3inrichXVI]

This seems very wholesome

[@jleed93]

I lived in Whittier when I was a little girl. Back then, we couldn’t drive back and forth through the tunnel...we took the train. Our food came in once a month on a ship as we didn’t have a store. I attended school in what was then called the Hodge Building. A couple rooms were opened to a one room school for grades 1-8. We actually lived down closer to the water and I walked to school. I couldn’t imagine not ever going outside as we lived outdoors summer and winter. We left Whittier, just before the ‘64 quake, to live in anchorage.

[@Einsteinbomb]

This is the sort of place I'd love to see in a future Fallout game.

[@c.j.williams3948]

I can live anywhere just have stable and efficient internet and I’m in there ❤️

[@kamsbry]

Made a quick stop in Whittier this winter after 5 days in Girdwood. Stunningly beautiful but gives cold AF a new meaning

[@Alan-xe4st]

Whittier is a beautiful place. I've been there quite a few times. Going through the tunnel was so fun lol, also the ice cream place there was amazing

[@TheBooban]

Cool. I read about this in a zombie book. Should pin this town on your apocalypse survival maps.

[@SimonRaahauge1973]

My home town in Denmark is the perfect place in such an event. we have a very large national guard to go zombie huntung, and our houses are - like all danish houses - well built, and easily fortifiable.

[@ninetteburns3258]

I will be visiting there in about a month during a trip to Alaska! Good timing. Hope to eat some good halibut there.

[@girthbrooks6414]

Plenty of good halibut and salmon out here, enjoy your stay!

[@ritemolawbks8012]

I'm just not into eating anything with the word "but" in it.

[@fsuindianoutlaw89]

Is it for business, or are you going just for the halibut? *ba dum tss*

[@ninetteburns3258]

@@fsuindianoutlaw89, one stop during a vacation. Going on a day cruise from Whittier.

[@GreyFox23]

i think this is kinda awesome. Literally all your friends live in the same place. I remember the times my church use to travel for big trips being a camping, fishing, retreats, going to a festival etc. For some of those events we had to stay in hotels for a few times. We'd rent out whole wings or floors of the hotel. Once we got settle we start drifting from room to room to hang out. The parents do the same or be in the lobby. Eventually all the rooms in the section we rented out have their doors open. Someone's room became the kids room watching movies, the boy's and girl's room for the teens. Young adults just hanging and so forth. You didn't worry about people stealing stuff, we still be quiet for hotel but of course the kids move around had have their fun, and eventually came in the food. That sense of community mixing in with the place you eat and sleep. It can be a pretty wild feeling especially if you can connect and trust each other. Honestly the hotel stays were the best parts of it all. While yes, have that increased factor of being strangers with little ties to each other so more people would keep their doors shut. But that opportunity is there and it be a shame of some of the people there didn't take advantage of their unique situation. It be awesome if the community center or something was also connected to the building. "Come downstairs for a movie night." "Kids its game night so come over the lobby A." Heck some people have dreamed of living in their mall. If you could connect to it and kit out the first floor areas with stores and had large gathering places... Man you could turn that place to something people have dreamed the future being like. Heck these are concepts really expensive high rises and foreign cities are currently adapting in one form or another. To be able to scale to a more middle class setting. That be pretty cool place to live.

[@schnonk]

I’m from Alaska and visit Whittier regularly (2-3 times a year). Not everything is in the building. There are some other buildings that are outside it. For example, an ice cream parlor/pizza place. Not many people live there, but there’s a campsite nearby that tons of people go to. Cruise ships come by a lot. There are other places to stay that are not in the tower. It’s pretty windy there, but when it’s not, it’s warmer than Anchorage. Kind of sad that this town gets more attention than Anchorage.

[@99jshannon]

i went through that tunnel on a tour bus sitting in the front seat was so cool

[@steveconn]

During drives down to Seward with dad that building would always amaze me, a self-contained town in an apt. building (probably make a great horror movie, set in winter :)

[@lightxgrenade]

I immediately thought that too! Be kind of cool if the town brought is some extra revenue by letting a studio film a zombie movie or something there.

[@barbaracodner2504]

That view!! Wow!!

[@mariadoherty633]

I moved from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Sebring, FL and I thought that was isolating enough. More power to them.

[@roachtoasties]

I've heard about this town. As long as the residents are happy, that's all that counts. Not having a commute to go to work is a plus. That sure beats living in a big city and suburbs. They aren't really isolated. 60 miles to Anchorage isn't huge. An occasional trip there to do some errands is all they need. They do have the convenience of a big city, when they need it.

[@saynotop2w]

Is Anchorage really a big city, though?

[@roachtoasties]

@@saynotop2w It's big for Alaska, and the biggest there. It's big enough for me with all the places I need to shop at. I live in a big city myself (Los Angeles). Anchorage may have 10 McDonald's, where the Los Angeles area has hundreds, but how many does one person need? :/

[@Defied_-vw2jz]

They don't mention they have a hospital

[@lilychu8912]

@@saynotop2w It depends on what you're looking for. I spent a few months in Anchorage during late fall/ winter 2 decades ago. Even then, it was plenty developed. It has the amenities of the big cities albeit not several symphonies, museums, sports teams, lots of nightclubs like you might have in major metro areas. University of Alaska is up there too. It has its own quirks and benefits: for example, free, groomed cross country trails lit up at night in local parks, Native Alaskan culture (a co-worker brought me wild game her Native family was allowed to hunt), and friendly folks (our car was stuck in ice/ snow and several cars immediately stopped by to help).

[@jzlove5088]

@@saynotop2w, anchorage has a population of around 300,000 people. Not sure what qualifies for a “big city” to you. Compared to Detroit(where I was born) with a population of around 800,000 people. In my opinion anchorage is a decent sized city.

[@pauladixon9003]

That’s my kind of small town. I would love to interact with my neighbors, make the meals for the kids and maybe help out in the classroom.

[@sonjamills6106]

The school is in need of a pre k teacher and a cook

[@ElmwoodParkHulk]

You can check out any time you like but you can never leave .....

[@MasterMoose04]

It’s like highschool again. You mess up on relationship, and everyone knows about it

[@SamuelAbney]

You all told the story you wanted to tell and it's not half of the story. No mention of the cruise ship and restaurant or lodging available during tourist season. It has a great little museum and epic scenic spots that you can stroll right into. They have wonderful restaurants that are open during the tourist season.

[@dh1329]

Sounds wonderful!

[@BidenHarris-fc7ld]

Now that's what I wanted to hear, what are the attractions and accommodations for visitors....ty:)

[@chrisaguilera751]

I heard about this town when I made some inquiries about Whittier California.

[@ThunderAppeal]

Pointless comment and the morons who gave you a thumbs up.

[@quaithom3138]

@@ThunderAppeal why do they have to be morons. You sound like a person everyone dislikes

[@StamfordBridge]

@@ThunderAppeal I’m much more amazed that your pointlessly nasty comment somehow garnered three likes. Were they you and two puppets of yours?

[@t.h.8475]

What a beautiful view.

[@StaYUTI420]

Was there a few years ago, there's still visible damage from the 1964 in some of the more remote areas of the town. Most amazing place I've ever been though.

[@johnq.public1177]

Just a little drinking town with a fishing problem. I caught the biggest halibut of my life out of wittier a few years ago. Great place.

[@karenpolansky9097]

It is a unique and beautiful place! I loved my short time there.

[@Jessica-go6cy]

I love watching everyone walking around, snow in the ground walking their dog’s, light jackets or tee shirts. I like that rustic way of living, beautiful views, it doesn’t look sad or depressing. Simple living🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@Benary96]

Why does this feel like A fallout settlement... everything is in one building 😂

[@costcocombopizza8229]

The early stages for Vault TEC experimentations

[@Benary96]

@@costcocombopizza8229 😳🤔🤯🤫😜🤭

[@RetardEd001]

Its a prototype.

[@Dan-ud8hz]

The communal living and connected school reminds me of Gropius's Bauhaus, interesting that it's in a former barracks. Lovely people.

[@SimonRaahauge1973]

We need more bauhaus, and less suburbia!

[@erikpeterson25]

Interesting story and place ...thx Cheers to Whittier

[@jenniferphillips530]

I lived there for a summer and I loved it there

[@jocopowell]

Every year that goes by, Whittier becomes more tempting.

[@thealaskanforever]

As someone who’s lived here, I’d like to say that this is not the only building folks live in. There are other buildings. I hate when people believe in false news.

[@sethmurdoch287]

Take it from a local of forty years... Whittier is just a jump off spot for the best fishing/shrimping and deer hunting around+ awesome fish and chips by the docks.

[@Meeechellaaa]

I live in Alaska i took the trip to Whittier these are things that makes Alaska towns unique I hate that world knows our uniqueism now

[@jmr9735]

The way the world is changing at this time, Whittier, Alaska may just be the place to be.

[@conniecrawford5231]

I wonder how often someone gets stuck in the elevator? Really scary!

[@kikisylvester7195]

It would be interesting with diabetes, a full small bladder and stuck in an elevator not to mention when to claustrophobia kicks in!

[@valeriy8502]

I was hoping they also have stairs

[@conniecrawford5231]

@@valeriy8502 Take it from a NYC skyscraper tenant! The building do have stairs but there are problems with those, also- remember all the destroyed and blocked stairways in the 9/11 buildings!

[@valeriy8502]

@@conniecrawford5231 I am aware, still better than only having an elevator

[@craigcarter400]

Was there in June 2018. It was very interesting to say the least.

[@randallsmith9475]

Visited this town a couple of years ago. It is quite beautiful and very very unique.

[@maryb868]

I've been to Whittier Alaska, it's quite beautiful and everyone is like a family, I love that 🤎

[@chronicawareness9986]

imagine being the only drug deal for the whole town and building lol

[@samrichardson2641]

imagine reeking up the entire hood because they put u on the first floor

[@E4439Qv5]

Literally happened. A guy was trying to grow weed using hydroponics.

[@samrichardson2641]

@@E4439Qv5 how’d they shut our homie down like that?!?! 😞😤

[@TheCalico72]

Isn't pot legal for recreational use in Alaska? Maybe the tenants can grow their own?

[@kristenkuruugaa7903]

A building created by the military during the Cold War formed a community through communal living

[@sudmuck]

You should see Whittier's other big building, it was an all-in-one base.

[@Abhi-mv3yh]

That laugh when she said"I don't know why! " 😂😂😂🤗

[@brucef310]

Spent a day here back in Sep 2020. I loved it.

[@YellowFalse]

Reminds me of some of those towns in Japan with an older population on the mountain side or a town whose population moved to the city and people stayed behind because they still loved being there.

[@LokiDWolf]

I'd love to visit it! I can see why it's not for everyone. But, still, visiting on minimum I bet would be nice. Alaska is such a beautiful State!

[@michaelashcraft8569]

I could NEVER live like that!! Just a rare breed of folks could handle that sort of life, kudos to them!

[@kouathao88]

I didn't know a place like this existed. I'd love to visit, and if all goes well, I may want to relocate.

[@mariacheebandidos7183]

sounds like a good idea for all those abandoned malls

[@katherinewas4896]

I agree. Make affordable not trashy apartments for people to create a community instead of them just sitting there to rot

[@adriennegarcia2986]

Exactly !

[@capsman09]

I wish they would have done that with the Old Laurel Mall here in Maryland before tearing it down in 2012.

[@RobZavalaPhotography]

If they build McDonald’s and Starbucks inside the building, I’ll move in lol

[@moreadventure3627]

I'll move in with a chic Fil'a or Raising canes LOL

[@cityhawk]

A Dunkin’ Donuts would be sweet.

[@extendo7137]

Damn! It really shows how people are addicted to fast food restaurants 😂smh🤦🏽‍♀️

[@sportsguy3510]

Don't forget Pizza places

[@channyt8818]

@@extendo7137 I mean... Judging by their “grocery store”, I’m sure plenty of people would need more options besides canned food. If Mc Donald’s don’t raise your blood pressure, the sodium in them canned beans will 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@alison4316]

Community at its most pure, imo.

[@JS-zb1vv]

I love this !!!!!! They family’s here are tight and raised right !!! We can learn from these places!!!

[@matthewmann8969]

Some hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, lounges, pent houses, apartments, town homes, and mansions are just that spreader

[@oldfriend327]

I would give up my life in Los Angeles in less than one second to live there if there was a decent job available.

[@E4439Qv5]

How about snow shoveling?

[@elenaiercusan8357]

There's no place like home!❤ I enjoyed watching this video.🤗

[@goldrusher7554]

What an amazing view to wake up to each day!