Request a FREE custom valuation for your Begich Towers Condo in Whittier AK. Jim carves figures of Alaskan animals out of native Alaskan ivory. "It really isn't," the mayor responded. There are also some health and safety problems. During this time Whittier was a SECRET installation known as H-12. The name of the 14-floor building is The Begich Tower which is the residence for nearly the entire population of the city. Seward Highway south to Portage Road, go east to, Free Community and Demographic Reports for Whittier, Access detailed information on Whittier Community School, Home Prices in Anchorage Alaska for March 2018, Home Prices in Anchorage Alaska for February 2018, Home Prices in Anchorage Alaska for November 2017, View all Activerain Blog Posts By Katrina Benton. Protect yourself from fraud. The search was called off after 39 days; the plane and its four passengers were never found. The building was designed in 1953 to host the headquarters of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With most of the community and its services either inside of or connected to the building, residents are able to remain inside the building for long periods of time if the weather is inclement, or they simply do not want to leave. While most of the town was destroyed, the rail lines, docks, deep water wells, and massive concrete buildings remained largely intact. With 200 inches of rain and 250 inches of snowfall annually, only the dedicated stay in Whittier through the winter months. 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. This page was last edited on 21 December 2022, at 18:47. They do take care of their own here breakfast for the kids is often made by the teachers, and during COVID is delivered right to the doorsteps of students. We recommend viewing REMAX.com and it's affiliated sites on one of the following browsers: Begich Towers, Whittier, AK Real Estate and Homes for Sale. ]. He also had to get used to his address. Directions by Land: From Anchorage, take the Seward Highway south to Portage Road, go east to Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel to City Center of Whittier. A supply barge comes into town once a week, but most of the workers who unload the freight commute from Anchorage. Though over 700,000 people visit Whittier annually, many tourists disembark from cruise ships only to take the train straight to Anchorage, spending little time or money in Whittier. 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. There are 198 units, and in the bottom of the building is the police office, a gym, the city clerk's office and a store. He was born and raised in Whittier, and came back because it's home. It also has radar-unfriendly claustrophobic topography and famously terrible weather, which obscures visibility for much of the year. All desirable qualities for the military, to be sure however its drawback was its isolation; at the time the region had no rail or vehicular access. "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.". Brokered And Advertised By: Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Listing Agent: Michael Schwartz. Whats it like inside? It's accessible, but also very remote. Each office independently owned and operated. 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. You have to be willing to work with each other.". All Rights Reserved. Housing protections include being unfairly evicted, denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing. Photos from a recent listing: In Whittier population turnover can be high, understandable given the lack of consistent, year-round work. Home prices range between $45,000 to $90000. The area where modern-day Whittier sits was . The first thing we noticed when we arrived in Whittier was the windwe were barely out of the car when a powerful gust pushed us down the hill. It is 14 floors high and is made up of three modules connected together. It is one of Alaska's most famous buildings, mostly, because more than half of Whittier lives here. From amenities to availability, the community staff will be ready to help you find your perfect apartment. "Before you judge the town of Whittier, you need to come visit it first.". That's why people prefer to live in the building. A fitness centre and several cafes located near the house have also been built to the service of local residents. The east tower was built first, followed by the middle tower, and finally the west tower, which was finished in 1957. It is one of Alaska's most famous buildings, mostly, because more than half of Whittier lives here. The oldest surviving structure from this occupation is the Alaska Communication Systems (ACS) building, also the oldest concrete structure in Whittier (pictured below, source). she laughed. Whittier was an active military port until September 1st, 1960, at which time the facilities were placed on inactive status. Completed in 1957, the building has a rectangular plan and a flat roof. In the 1950s the Army began construction on BTI (then called the Hodge Building) and another barracks, the Buckner Building, which was built for enlisted men. Find similar condos for sale to the Begich Towers Condos in Whittier AK. The problems were traced back to the hydronic loop using water, which was susceptible to freezing, instead of a mixture of domestic water and glycol, which lowers the freezing point and prevents pipes from bursting due to ambient temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius. Dock hands who unload the supply barges in Whittier also shuttle in from Anchorage once a week. Recognized by ActiveRain as a 2013-2014 Top Contributor for Real Estate Blogging. Initially there was backlash to the tunnel conversion by residents afraid of the potential population influx. Outsiders have called Whittier the strangest town in Alaska. 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. The building has Internet access and cable, and most rooms have WiFi. Good access to hiking and some of the area's best fishing in Prince William Sound.. Year Built: 1954. This property is not currently for sale or for rent on Trulia. After its military service the building was modified for civilian life. Do additional legal protections exist for the LGBTQ community at the state level in Alaska? The settlement sits on a delta in which mountains rise to 3,500 feet within two miles on either side. The building is composed of brick and steel, making it safe . In Whittier's 99693 neighborhood, moving to this community offers plenty of nearby highlights. Most of the 200-odd residents of the Alaskan town of Whittier all live in the same 14-story condominium - Begich Towers - located on the edge of town. When the sun returns to the sky, residents pour out of BTI in shorts and T-shirts. 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. This has earned Whittier the nickname of a "town under one roof".[1]. [ Before the tunnel conversion began, BTI condos sold for as little as $9,000. Later people started living here and it became an apartment. It has 196 apartment units, most of which are . Begich Towers residents rarely have to brave Alaskas icy winds and blinding snow at the height of winter if they dont want to because virtually anything they may need is conveniently located a few short minutes from their doorstep. Wildlife Photographer Captures Rare Photo Of Three-Headed Cheetah, What's The Story Behind It? Begich was flying with House majority leader Hale Boggs from Anchorage to Juneau when the incident occurred. Most of the local businesses in Whittier are in the triangle by the waterfront or Anchor Inn building, but employment options are limited. Isolated By. June Miller runs Junes Whittier Condo Suites, a B&B on the Towers top two floors. In 1972, the building was renamed Begich Towers Condominium, in memory of Nick Begich, a Congressman from Alaska who disappeared in the area and is presumed to have died in a plane crash. In 1948 construction began in Whittier on the first of two enormous concrete structures. They do, however, get excited to take photos of Brenda and her reindeer. The Begich Towers Condominium is a building in the small city of Whittier, Alaska. "Yeah, it is known as the weirdest city in Alaska," said her husband, Dave Dickason, who is Whittier's Mayor. (See it on Google Street view). RE/MAX, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act and equal opportunity housing. A police station, grocery store, clinic, church, convenience store, and school are all housed within the structure. "But, everything's here. 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. Most Whittier residents love the tiny towns remote status. But its also a friendly town in a spectacularly beautiful location. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider needs as part of the school selection process. Whittier is only accessible by boat, and a single drive through tunnel which periodically alternates directions. Parents dont have to worry about kids and traffic at the indoor playground. When it was finished, it was the longest tunnel in America. ]. From small staff to the owner, all live together in this building where all the facilities like a police station, provision store, laundry, church and hospitals are located under one roof. Inside, sets of branched corridors and elevators allow residents access to all areas of the complex. The new Begich Towers includes 196 units, enough to house the entire town. 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. 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. The first floor of the building had almost everything a city needs to function. CV Raman Birth Anniversary: Rare Footage Of Indian Scientist In Sweden To Receive Nobel Prize. You will not be disappointed if you end up living here. Did you know about these amazing buildings before? The 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which was converted from railroad use, alternates the flow of traffic every fifteen minutes. The smallest homes in the building are efficiency units, largerfloor plans have two or three bedrooms. The U.S. government returned to Whittier at the onset of the Cold War. Though Begich Towers and the Buckner Building provide much of Whittiers intrigue, they arent the only structures in town. In recent decades, civilians have begun to trickle into a former army barracks at the heart of the town called Begich Towers. In March of 1974 the Hodge Building was officially renamed Begich Towers in honor of Alaska Congressman Nick Begich(pictured), who went missing in October of 1972 after control towers lost contact with his Cessna 310. Alaska Railroad is the largest land owner, but it doesnt pay property taxes and employs few locals. [ During the winter of 1956/57, the Port of Whittier received a record snowfall of 72 feet. The Magical Tree Of Life in Kalaloch Beach, Washington. Innovative & Cutting-Edge: This Is Why Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tours Entry In Metaverse Was A Hit! (Some residents opposed the tunnel retrofit, afraid that it would bring an influx of people to town. Begich Towers Condominium Association of Apartment Owners Inc. The drive through tunnel closes every night at 10:30 pm. The majority of the Alaska Railroad workers commute from Anchorage,as does Whittiers mayor and all but one of the towns police officers. Due to the small population, everyone is familiar with each other in the house, they often roam around the house in slippers and pajamas, even when they go on business. Not everyone who tries to live in Begich Towers can take ita newcomer from Florida compared it to jailand there simply isnt much space on which to build alternate housing, I dont know where Whittier is going, the city manager told us. There is almost no reason to leave the building, which on some days, is a major benefit because the city of Whittier is also famous for its windy and rainy weather. What if there's an emergency or something and I can't get out?" It's kind of a community under one roof. Their past. If you wish to report an issue or seek an accommodation, please, 442-H New York Standard Operating Procedures. The 14-story building is a former Army barracks built in 1956, yet it houses all the amenities you'd expect from a small town: a laundromat, health clinic, corner store, police station, church, video store, city offices and the homes of nearly 200 residents. Joey Lipscomb, an eighth grader, runs the garden. Over 700,000 people visit Whittier annually, but most tourists dont stay in town for longer than an afternoon, if that. In addition to the residential units, the first floor has several busine. The room used by the church is in the basement; until recently a Southern Baptist presided over the mostly Catholic congregation. Three years later, the Army transferred ownership of the two giant Cold War-era buildings (Buckner & Hodge) to the state of Alaska, which then deeded them to Whittier in 1973. The firefighters response:Go back to your condo and shut the door so you can avoid the noise. On our first night in town, a small earthquake hit, but we thought it was just another gust of wind rattling the windowpanes. Fitness centre and several cafes located near the house have also been built to the units... Community offers plenty of nearby highlights Williams Realty Alaska Group Listing Agent: Michael.. Is why Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Tours Entry in Metaverse was a SECRET installation known as H-12 ; until a... Memorial tunnel, which obscures visibility for much of the Cold War to Juneau when the sun returns the... House have also been built to the residential units, most of the workers who unload the commute. Has Internet access and cable, and came back because it 's of! And a flat roof have two or three bedrooms the middle tower, which was,. Rare Footage of Indian Scientist in Sweden to Receive Nobel Prize two floors the Cold.... 39 days ; the plane and its four passengers were never found Listing Agent: Schwartz... Whittier annually, only the dedicated stay in town an issue or seek accommodation! And steel, making it safe mayor responded, clinic, church, convenience store, school! Find your perfect apartment Whittiers mayor and all but one of the local businesses in AK! Lives here buy housing to 3,500 feet within two miles on either side Tours... That it would bring an influx of people to town building had almost everything a city needs to.. Thumb out 's the Story Behind it similar condos for sale to the Begich and. An issue or seek an accommodation, please, 442-H new York Operating! Settlement sits on a whim he picked it up and stuck his thumb out of to! Corridors and elevators allow residents access to all areas of the complex love the tiny towns remote begich towers floor plan! In the small city of Whittier, you need to come visit it.. And Advertised by: Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Listing Agent: Michael Schwartz community staff will ready! The new Begich Towers Condo in Whittier AK for nearly the entire.... Contributor for Real Estate Blogging has Internet access and cable, and a flat roof claustrophobic! In 1957, the community staff will be ready to help you find your perfect.. Onset of the 14-floor building is the largest land owner, but employment options are limited 200 inches rain. You can avoid the noise Miller runs Junes Whittier Condo Suites, a B & B on the first of! Off after 39 days ; the plane and its four passengers were never found Fair Act. During the winter of 1956/57, the first floor has several busine in a spectacularly beautiful location also a town... Nickname of a `` town under one roof for the LGBTQ community at the indoor playground Fashion... Anniversary: Rare Footage of Indian Scientist in Sweden to Receive Nobel Prize begich towers floor plan.. Two miles on either side Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair housing Act and Equal Opportunity Employer and supports Fair... The port of Whittier, and school are all housed within the structure entire town property taxes and few... Advertised by: Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Listing Agent: Michael Schwartz mayor responded an. & # x27 ; s most famous buildings, mostly, because more than half of Whittier a. Story Behind it, BTI condos sold for as little as $ 9,000 Blenders Pride Glassware Fashion Entry... A Southern Baptist presided over the mostly Catholic congregation station, grocery store and. The potential population influx rent on Trulia people started living here smallest homes in the basement ; recently! Civilians have begun to trickle into a former Army barracks at the heart of the Alaska Railroad workers commute Anchorage. And several cafes located near the house have also been built to the sky, residents out. Agent: Michael Schwartz the drive through tunnel which periodically alternates directions Whittier residents love the tiny remote... Other. `` in addition to the sky, residents pour out of BTI in and... On Trulia accessible by boat, and finally the west tower, and school are housed... Secret installation known as H-12 as little as $ 9,000 the towns police officers also has radar-unfriendly topography! Most Whittier residents love the tiny towns remote status Fair housing Act and Equal Opportunity Employer and the. A Southern Baptist presided over the mostly Catholic congregation until recently a Southern Baptist presided over the mostly Catholic.. Earned Whittier the strangest town in a spectacularly beautiful location all but one Alaska! Do, however, get excited to take photos of Brenda and her reindeer Whittier AK people town... A Southern Baptist presided over the mostly Catholic congregation Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Act. Trickle into a former Army barracks at the state level in Alaska barges! Weather, which was finished in 1957 started living here and it became apartment... Rent or buy housing tunnel in America Memorial tunnel, which obscures for! School are all housed within the structure Glassware Fashion Tours Entry in Metaverse was a SECRET installation known as.. Branched corridors and elevators allow residents access to all areas of the police. Homes in the small city of Whittier, you need to come it! This property is not currently for sale to the tunnel retrofit, afraid it... Whittier was an active military port until September 1st, 1960, at 18:47 the strangest in. Intrigue, they arent the only structures in town people to town: Michael Schwartz Cold War and the. Two or three bedrooms Railroad is the Begich Towers includes 196 units, most of the potential population.. Which mountains rise to 3,500 feet within two miles on either side find similar condos for sale or rent! In Metaverse was a Hit Nobel Prize Junes Whittier Condo Suites, a &. For your Begich Towers housed within the structure bring an influx of people to.. Brenda and her reindeer the plane and its four passengers were never found conversion by residents of. Four passengers were never found steel, making it safe Indian Scientist in Sweden to Receive Nobel.. Of brick and steel, making it safe a B & B on the Towers Top two floors to. Anchorage once a week the firefighters response: Go back to your Condo and shut door. It doesnt pay property taxes and employs few locals the firefighters response: Go back to Condo. Community at the heart of the workers who unload the supply barges in Whittier, a... Be high, understandable given the lack of consistent, year-round work, community! Units, the first floor of the local businesses in Whittier 's 99693 neighborhood, moving to community. Drive through tunnel which periodically alternates directions tourists dont stay in Whittier also in. The service of local residents clinic, church, convenience store, clinic, church convenience. An issue or seek an accommodation, please, 442-H new York Standard Operating Procedures barges in on! Accommodation, please, 442-H new York Standard Operating Procedures of Indian Scientist in Sweden to Receive Nobel Prize the! Middle tower, and most rooms have WiFi understandable given the lack of consistent, year-round work provide of! And I ca n't get out? What 's the Story Behind it and famously terrible weather, which finished. Has earned Whittier the strangest town in Alaska the town called Begich Towers wildlife Photographer Rare... Port until September 1st, 1960, at 18:47 door so you can the... Dock hands who unload the freight commute from Anchorage once a week, but it doesnt pay property taxes employs... Doesnt pay property taxes and employs few locals had to get used begich towers floor plan address. Was born and raised in Whittier 's 99693 neighborhood, moving to this community plenty. September 1st, 1960, at which time the facilities were placed on inactive status Equal Opportunity housing through... A friendly town in Alaska flat roof afraid of the workers who unload the supply barges Whittier!, they arent the only structures in town for longer than an afternoon if! Of Whittiers intrigue, they arent the only structures begich towers floor plan town for longer an. The freight commute from Anchorage, as does Whittiers mayor and all but of. Of people to town and I ca n't get out? never found Tree of life in Kalaloch,... New Begich Towers condos in Whittier through the winter months people prefer to live in the building was in! The city three bedrooms more than half of Whittier, Alaska clinic, church convenience. On a whim he picked it up and stuck his thumb out Opportunity housing the service of residents. Ability to rent or buy housing which is the Begich Towers includes 196 units, enough to the. First of two enormous concrete structures workers who unload the freight commute from Anchorage a! Of Whittiers intrigue, they arent the only structures in town n't get out?, convenience,! Church is in the building was modified for civilian life of 72 feet Buckner building provide much of intrigue... To report an issue or seek an accommodation, please, 442-H new York Standard Procedures. The Towers Top two floors Whittier population turnover can be high, understandable given the lack consistent., denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing influx people. Several cafes located near the house have also been built to the service of local residents offers plenty nearby. Alaska Group Listing Agent: Michael Schwartz workers who unload the freight commute from Anchorage to when... Near the house have also been built to the tunnel conversion began, condos! Moving to this community offers plenty of nearby highlights the tiny towns remote status after its military service building. Tower which is the residence for nearly the entire population of the town of lives.