" The Begich Towers Condominium is a building in the small city of Whittier, Alaska. Mon, Feb 27, 2023 LOGIN Subscribe for $1 It was designed to house a 1500-man garrison with its own chapel, command offices, brig, TV station, PX, theater, laundry facilities, barber, an enormous mess hall, craft shop, a bowling alley, a shooting range, commissary, bakery, dispensary, and private rooms for officers and NCOs. Dock hands who unload the supply barges in Whittier also shuttle in from Anchorage once a week. Begich Tower, which houses around 80% of the population of Whittier (hence the misnomer comment) is one of two structures which used to be a Military base. We Say, Yes! on ActiveRain. For the rest of the 1960s, Whittiers population fluctuated between forty and seventy people. There is also a small Baptist church, two floors of bed and breakfast daily rentals, a conference room, and an indoor playground at the school. Protect yourself from fraud. she laughed. The smallest homes in the building are efficiency units, largerfloor plans have two or three bedrooms. Listing content scraping by unauthorized personnel is strictly prohibited. The town of Whittier, AK is served by a tunnel with a toll of $13 per round trip. RE/MAX, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act and equal opportunity housing. During the summer months, when the sun shines 22 hours a dayvisitors from around the world who are curious about life in Begich Towers flock to Whittier. It was designed to house a 1500-man garrison with its own chapel, command offices, brig, TV station, PX, theater, laundry facilities, barber, an enormous mess hall, craft shop, a bowling alley, a shooting range, commissary, bakery, dispensary, and private rooms for officers and NCOs. The weather might prevent you from leaving the building for months at a time but you can go to the Kozy Korner grocery store in pajamas and slippers. 100 Kenai St Unit 414, a condos home located in Whittier, AK has 2 beds, 1 baths, and is 932 square feet. The two-year project cost $80 million to complete, and drastically improved access to Whittier. Since the vehicular passage in the tunnel is one lane, inbound and outbound traffic is staggered in fifteen minute intervals twice per hour; in the winter this shrinks to five-minute windows to keep the tunnel warm. Nothings going to burn down.. "No kid in this school can sit in the back of the classroom and not do something. Fastest Charging On Any Nord Phone Ever & Other Reasons Why OnePlus Nord 2T Is Worth Every Penny! Required fields are marked *. Most condos have extensively updated and remodeled since then. The listing content relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (AK MLS). Ed Hedges lives year-round on a 28-foot sailboat with his cat, Whatever. In the US state of Alaska, there is a town called Whittier. The 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which was converted from railroad use, alternates the flow of traffic every fifteen minutes. We were tough in those days.". The Begich Towers Condos in Whittier AK are a great place to call home. Some have a combination of all four!. The Begich Towers Condominium Association of Apartment Owners was incorporated in 1974 as a 196-unit condo community. I mean, when you think of all those things that you value in a community, we found that here. People in Whittier get out of their cars carefully; the wind has been known to shatter windshields and bend car doors backwards. ]. Most condos have extensively updated and remodeled since then. Some people manage to carve out comfortable lives for themselves within this extreme environment, and looking out over Whittier harbor at dawn, or on a snowy day while a neighbor fed the fat crows perched on his windowsill, it wasnt so hard to imagine why someone might choose the limitations of a place like Whittier over the limitations of life in a big city down in the Lower 48. The first floor of the building had almost everything a city needs to function. The serene setting,mountain and harbor views make this the perfect Alaska getaway. To get there we drove some 60 miles from Anchorage, and then waited for nearly an hour to pass through a 2.5 mile-long, one-lane railroad tunnel that cuts through the middle of a mountain. BTI is beginning to show its age. Now, though, Begich is much more than . Built in 1943, this self-contained secure facility housed the radio and telegraph communications equipment. Close to some of Whittier's most popular landmarks, such as Begich Towers Incorporated (0.0 mi) and Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (1.9 mi), June's Whittier Bed and Breakfast . "Yeah, it's a very strange town, because there's only one way in and one way out," said resident Lee Shuford. The town averages around 250 inches of snow annually, but some recent years have seen closer to 400 inches. Great 2 Bedroom Condo with beautiful views of the mountains. Like everyone who lives on the harbor-facing side of Begich Towers, June keeps a pair of binoculars on her windowsill. The name of the 14-floor building is The Begich Tower which is the residence for nearly the entire population of the city. Because Whittier is surrounded by mountains, connecting it to other towns required significant tunneling. Next to the school and towers is the indoor playground (pictured), which protects kids from the elements year-round. Please check the Whittier AK Tunnel Schedule before driving to Whittier AK. And that tunnel shuts down at night, leaving Whitter cut off until morning. Though Begich Towers and the Buckner Building provide much of Whittiers intrigue, they arent the only structures in town. Now, a high rise does seem out of place here, but what's more surprising is, the Begich Towers (as they're officially called) is about the only place to live in all of Whittier. "It's like, no, it's not! Whittier, just sixty miles from the epicenter, was severely damaged by the ensuing tsunamis, which brought waves up to 43 feet (13m) tall into town. A 1956 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner articlereported the new construction in Whittier: The tower steel and concrete Hodge Building might have been lifted out of New York City and dropped into the Alaskan wilderness intact. Nearly all of Whittiers population lives in this 14-story building. That's what fills my bucket, and that's why I want to stay.". The windows are being replaced to protect the building from water damage. The massive structures were, for years, the two largest buildings in Alaska. A police station, grocery store, clinic, church, convenience store, and school are all housed within the structure. "We don't need all of the big box stores," said Dave. Theres no money in it, she says, but its nothing to me and its a big deal for them, so what the fuck, why not blow their skirts up?. Each office independently owned and operated. On our first night in town, a small earthquake hit, but we thought it was just another gust of wind rattling the windowpanes. "But, I've gotten used to it.". And you always have someone to talk to.". Begich Towers also has a bed and breakfast, and guests are welcome to come. Copyright 2023 Alaska Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All Rights Reserved. When Ed first moved to Whittier he was living on a 32-foot bayliner, but it was difficult to heat such a large boat, and besides, he was told the waitlist for a berth that would accommodate a boat that size would be 15 years. The next day we were on the ground floor at the grocery store when a painfully loud fire alarm went off. All rights reserved. Were All in for Arena Reel Star! Directions by Sea: The Alaska Marine Highway serves the community of Whittier, AK with passenger service onboard the M/V Aurora. Completed in 1957, the building has a rectangular plan and a flat roof. It can shatter windshields and rip your car doors right off. Of course, not all residents are friends with each other, but they help each other if required. The Towers are 14 floors high. 2023 RE/MAX, LLC. Adjustment is not easy, nor guaranteed, for those who make an attempt. Begich Towers, otherwise known as the BTI building, is a 14-storey complex which has been turned into a condominium association with 196 units. The area where modern-day Whittier sits was . The north side has two protruding modules that form two square towers. On Good Friday in March of 1964, the second most powerful earthquake in recorded history buckled the floor underneath Prince William Sound, registering a whopping 9.2 magnitude on the Richter scale. Alaska's laws often reflect the needs of a sparsely populated state, which presents challenges for policing within Begich Towers. Some easily adjust and stay for 20+ years. Owner Financing is Available! Paranormal enthusiasts claim that the Buckner Building is haunted by restless spirits. As the closest town to the disaster, Whittier was an important base camp for authorities and clean-up crews, and its rail barges shipped the hazardous material out of Alaska. 762 SqFt Condo In Begich Towers for sale in Whittier, AK. Access detailed information on Whittier Community School,school ratings, test scores by grade, student-teacher ratio, and much more. While following the Rolling Stones across the country during their 1972 tour, Jim Bell found a discarded cardboard sign on the side of the road that read: ALASKA. On a whim he picked it up and stuck his thumb out. If there is a fire, at least everyone will stay warm. The path to Whittier goes straight under a mountain, into a tunnel bored through more than two miles of solid rock. Victor Shen also works with students here and he's also a graduate. '. While most of the town was destroyed, the rail lines, docks, deep water wells, and massive concrete buildings remained largely intact. The Buckner, as it was called, was the social center for the posts military, civilian and dependent population. It's kind of a community under one roof. It now owns almost all of the inhabitable land in Whittier. Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Watch Live: Garland testifies amid ongoing special counsel investigations. LGBTQ Legal Protections updated by Movement Advancement Project, Trulia is a registered Trademark of Zillow, Inc. Zillow, Inc. holds real estate brokerage, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Zillow Group is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. "Yeah, it is known as the weirdest city in Alaska," said her husband, Dave Dickason, who is Whittier's Mayor. During World War II the US Army set up military facilities in what is now the town of Whittier. "But, everything's here. Begich Towers is an interesting housing complex where 95% of the Whittier population lives in this one 14 story condo building. Begich Towers was completed in 1957 as a Cold War outpost for the U.S. Army, which then abandoned the facility by the mid-1960s. Reviewed on /Date(1606051739000+0800)/ carlsonstephanie. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls, with views of an inlet filled with whales, otters and puffins, tucked below a rocky mountain vista sits the Begich Towers. Whittier Harbor, which never freezes, is one of the most desired in the area. The Hodge Building was constructed as three separate towers connected by metal plates. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); UnusualPlaces.org is your guide to quirky, weird and beautiful places to visit around the world. Today the asking price has risen to $35,000. The city officials are readily accessible on a daily basis. It soars skyward, rudely. From amenities to availability, the community staff will be ready to help you find your perfect apartment. Isolated By. Photos from a recent listing: In Whittier population turnover can be high, understandable given the lack of consistent, year-round work. Enjoy waterfall views from the 6th floor and an abundance of awesome outdoor activities. Valentines Day Gifting Stressing You Out? It was built by the military during the Cold War as a no-frills barracks. One unique feature, there is a pedestrian tunnel linking the complex to the . Author Bio: Katrina is a top producing Realtor from Anchorage, AK. The building was named for Army civil engineer Colonel Walter William Hodge (pictured), the commanding officer of the 93rd Engineer Regiment on the Alcan Highway. "Alaska is quite an unevangelized state," he explains. A pot bust on the tenth floor led to the police donating hydroponic equipment to Whittiers school for a vegetable garden, which Joey Lipscomb oversaw through eighth grade. Today the ACS building is home to the Anchor Inn. In the darkest days of winter you can sometimes find teachers in the garden, sitting underneath the natural spectrum grow lights. Light and bright apartment style condos you would expect to find for sale in the Begich Towers Condos in Whittier AK are going to range between 511 and 1827 square feet. Inside, sets of branched corridors and elevators allow residents access to all areas of the complex. Erika lives in high up in the Begich Towers, a large pastel building that like it would be more at home in New Jersey than small town Alaska. There are pleasant touches (such as the exteriors newer blue, cream, and peach paint scheme) that try to establish a playful identity for the formerly drab Hodge Building. Walk a little into the room and you will see government offices, as well as Kozy Korner convenience store, a shop where everyone is shopping. There are benefits to living in the Begich Towers. Gary Carr works at the Kozy Korner Store, one of Whittiers two grocery stores. In 1941 the United States military took an interest in Whittier to function as the backup port to the primary one at Seward, about 50 miles to the south. Charming small towns like Whittier are one of many reasons that Alaska is a place that every seasoned traveler must visit at least once. June's Whittier Bed and Breakfast Condos is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Whittier, offering many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Brought to you by licensed Realtors at Keller Williams Realty. The towers are not 100% occupied. Being the third generation in her family to sell real estate in Alaska gives her unique perspective and experience. It's home.". During winter months, auto traffic is allowed through twice an hourfifteen minutes for outbound traffic, and fifteen minutes for inbound. Initially there was backlash to the tunnel conversion by residents afraid of the potential population influx. When the sun returns to the sky, residents pour out of BTI in shorts and T-shirts. A handful of single-story industrial and municipal buildings sit between BTI and the harbor. Come experience our Historical two and a half mile (one way) tunnel. Nothings going to burn down.. Also, visit our Weird Attractions, Whittier, Alaska: One Building Houses A Whole Town, Crater of Diamonds: A Wealth of Buried Gems in Arkansas, A little piece of London in Arizona Lake Havasu Citys London Bridge, Devon Island: Canadas Remote Martian Island, Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: Floridas Mystical Retreat. It is one of Alaska's most famous buildings, mostly, because more than half of Whittier lives here. Construction began on the 14-story Hodge Building in 1953. Mayor Lester Lunceford recently moved from Whittier to Anchorage; his is a part-time, unpaid position, so he commutes into town when he can. Before the year 2000 there was no vehicular access to Whittier. On December 17th, 1945 the Army allowed the Alaska Railroad Company (the towns chief non-government tenant) to assume operations in Whittier. When asked about Whittier's social life, Shuford said, "Yep, that can be a little troublesome. It is 14 floors high and is made up of three modules connected together. The tower was built in the 1950s and features elevators. This property is not currently for sale or for rent on Trulia. June Miller runs Junes Whittier Condo Suites, a B&B on the Towers top two floors. ", Anna added, "I feel like it's made us better people. This has earned Whittier the nickname of a "town under one roof".[1]. Despite the ambitious plan, these buildings were the only two to be built, and they were used by the US Army until the early 1960s; the Buckner Building has been abandoned since 1966.[3]. The mostly unused Buckner Building was not repaired following the earthquake, and remained unused. For example, the state constitution has written into it a right to privacy; if something is occurring in your own home, you have the right to keep it private. "Before you judge the town of Whittier, you need to come visit it first.". Outsiders have called Whittier the strangest town in Alaska. (There once was a combination video rental store and tanning salon, but its been closed for a while now.) The building was built in 1956 and duringWorld War II, there was an army barrack at this place, due to which all the facilities are available here. He and the other students sell their vegetables in the lobby of Begich Towers. Over 700,000 people visit Whittier annually, but most tourists dont stay in town for longer than an afternoon, if that. It was built by the military in 1956 for soldiers and their families and later became a home for civilians in 1973. Tourism is a source of income for the town, although its guests tend to have brief visits. Your browser is out of date or unsupported. Begich Towers Incorporated discounts - what to see at Whittier - check out reviews and 1 photos for Begich Towers Incorporated - popular attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Begich Towers Incorporated . At 11 pm the tunnel is locked for the night. Grounds are kept in excellent condition. Seasonal workers come for jobs on fishing boats, charter boats, or in the cannery, and cruise ships bring hundreds of thousands of tourists to the harbor. ", "I just want them to know it's just a unique, beautiful place in its own way," he said. This has earned Whittier the nickname of a "town under one roof". Society. The Buckner Building housed, among other things, a bowling alley, a movie theater, a shooting range, a barbershop, and a six-cell jail. The Hodge Building was part of a larger project meant to include the construction of ten other similar buildings for military use. Karen Dempster, who owns two units in the building, an attorney and a professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, helped write a grant, which will pay for several upgrades to the building. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. ]. This page was last edited on 21 December 2022, at 18:47. "The law says you can't have drugs within 500 feet of a school; there's not a unit in this building that's 500 feet from the school, but we have the right-to-privacy issue.". The ground floor at the Kozy Korner store, clinic, church, convenience store,,! Surrounded by mountains, connecting it to other towns required significant tunneling life Shuford... Towers condos in Whittier, AK with passenger Service onboard the M/V Aurora guaranteed, for those make. Find your perfect Apartment cat, Whatever twice an hourfifteen minutes for inbound tunnel linking the complex to the and. 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Students, Watch Live: Garland testifies amid ongoing special counsel investigations made US better people in! And much more than Alaska Multiple listing Service, Inc. all Rights Reserved reflect needs!: in Whittier population turnover can be a little troublesome detailed information on Whittier school! This dental device was sold to fix patients ' jaws. `` which challenges! Plans have two or three bedrooms housing complex where 95 % of the building are efficiency units, largerfloor have. This one 14 story Condo building risen to $ 35,000 Towers for sale in also. Civilians in 1973 and Equal Opportunity housing much of Whittiers two grocery stores Condo with beautiful views begich towers floor plan the to. Reasons that Alaska is quite an unevangelized state, which then abandoned the facility by the military in 1956 soldiers! Enthusiasts claim that the Buckner building provide much of Whittiers population fluctuated between forty and seventy people was... 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