An entire town living under one roof sounds like some kind of dystopian, apocalyptic situation we can expect in the next 50 years, not something from the beautiful wilds of Alaska.
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But for the residents of Whittier, it's already a reality. All 200 or so residents live in one large building, hiding from the harsh climates of the area within the same walls. The buiding isn't a big, beautiful mountain lodge or a fantastic castle either. It's a brutal, grey, concrete monolith hammered into the green mountainsides of the Alaskan coast.
Initially, Whittier was designed as a military harbor, with the complex being built in the 1950s. This is when the Begich Towers Condominium was built. The unsightly design is explained by its initial use with functionality over form. Now, it is the home to all the residents of Whittier town.
Since its initial construction, some efforts have been made to make it a little more attractive. The grey block of flats has been painted, but it's still a huge military complex. Now, it's been repurposed to house the people living in the tiny town.
A Safe Haven For The Town During Trying Times
Whittier is not the most hospitable place in the US, for sure. The winters can become incredibly cold, and the town was even hit by a tsunami in the 60s. Because of this, it's much easier for them to all live under one roof in a reinforced concrete building.
The structure is designed to house the whole town without the need for them to leave for a long period. As well as being proofed against earthquakes, the condo contains everything the residents need without having to go out into the blistering cold of Alaska.
The building, along with the 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos, has a post office, a general store, and a laundromat. 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.
The town living under one roof in the small US town is mainly there to serve tourists. Due to its wild and remote area, it is a hotspot for tourists. There are a number of cruises that still use the functioning harbor. Some people like to visit to enjoy the wildlife too.
However, to me, the whole thing sounds a little too removed. It gives me Cluedo/The Shining vibes.
