The town of Whittier, Alaska, is known for having nearly its entire population living in a single apartment building. The building is called Begich Towers, a 14-story apartment complex that houses about 90% of the city’s residents (total: 272). This has earned Whittier the nickname “town under one roof.” The building, originally constructed as an army barracks, now serves as a cozy condominium that features a post office, general store, police station, laundry, health clinic, city hall and an indoor heated swimming pool. Whittier, Alaska is accessible only by air or through a single-lane tunnel that stretches more than two miles through neighboring Maynard Mountain. City weather conditions can be harsh during winter, making Begich Towers a practical and convenient solution for residents. In addition to the Begich Towers, there is a second condominium building in the city where the remaining residents live. The city’s school and gym are located in a separate structure but are connected to the Begich Towers by a tunnel, allowing for easy access during the winter months.
3000 years of history
