Whittier started out in the mid-1950s as a military outpost. In the summertime you can look out and see whales breaching in the harbor, or mountain goats grazing on the slopes across the water, but mostly people use binoculars to spy on their neighbors. But in fact, the opposite happenedpeople moved out.). He was a violent racist and he hated blacks and Natives, so I always thought that building reflected him: all torn-down and abandoned.. These cozy apartment style condos have a super convenient location in downtown Whittier. 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. 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. The settlement sits on a delta in which mountains rise to 3,500 feet within two miles on either side. In 2000 the tunnel was retrofitted to accommodate cars, but before that, the train sometimes came through only once a week, so residents were well-protected from whatever they might be running away from. Recognized by ActiveRain as a 2013-2014 Top Contributor for Real Estate Blogging. Located around 60 miles southeast of Anchorage, the town of Whittier has a 14-storey building that also houses a health clinic, police station and convenience store. ", "I think the weirdest question that I got was like, 'Is it a cult?'" 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. Are you sure you want to report this blog entry as spam? Post with kindness. The new Begich Towers includes 196 units, enough to house the entire town. Following the Army's departure, each building had to get its own system, including the Begich Towers, which had a pair of boilers in a side building. Their past. The first floor of the building had almost everything a city needs to function. With most of the residences within the town of Whittier AK being located in the Begich Towers Condos, it is no surprise this really is the center of town. The Hodge Building was transformed into a public building with several units, including the headquarters of the major institutions and commercial services of Whittier. One unique feature, there is a pedestrian tunnel linking . "Before you judge the town of Whittier, you need to come visit it first.". This propelled Whittier into a more important role as other regional ports who suffered more damage were inoperable. Use the map to locate points of interest like shopping, restaurants, andhealth care services. Nearly all of Whittiers population lives in this 14-story building. There are also some health and safety problems. Of course, not all residents are friends with each other, but they help each other if required. 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. Whittier, Alaska, about 60 miles from Anchorage, is both beautiful and yet gritty. Non-residents can enter the 1s floor where the city offices are and the top two floors where there is a bed and breakfast. First published on May 23, 2021 / 9:54 AM. This has earned Whittier the nickname of a "town under one roof". Your email address will not be published. Begich Towers is nearly earthquake and fire-proof. Between 700,000 and 900,000 people visit the town annually primarily via cruise ship or passing through en route to Anchorage but most dont stay beyond one afternoon. Begich Towers also features a small bed and breakfast so that visitors can experience Whitters warm sense of community. The Buckner Building housed, among other things, a bowling alley, a movie theater, a shooting range, a barbershop, and a six-cell jail. 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. Most in Whittier eventually found their way to the building, which was renamed Begich Towers (or BTI) after a missing Congressman. What's the reason you're reporting this blog entry? The military was drawn to Whittier for many reasons, primarily because it is the states only year-round ice-free deep-water port. , there was an army barrack at this place, due to which all the facilities are available here. A visitor recounted a conversation with the resident volunteer firefighter when apainfully loud fire alarm went off inside BTI. Whittiers school is connected to Begich Towers by an underground tunnel, so young residents never have to brave harsh wind and snow on their way to the classroom. from . The complex has a shop . When completed, the one-mile railroad tunnel through Begich Peak and the 2.5-mile railroad tunnel through Maynard Mountain combined for 13,300 feet. The town does seem to attract those searching for separation of something: Establishment. Because I dont know where it wants to go. Some residents would like to see growth and economic development in Whittier, but theres a sizable group who would just rather be left alone. Home Details for 401 Begich Towers Property Information Year Built Year Built: 1940 LGBTQ Local Legal Protections Homes for Rent Near 401 Begich Towers Off Market Homes Near 401 Begich Towers 401 Begich Towers, Whittier, AK 99693 is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 740 sqft property built in 1940. The population of the city is over 200 people. Begich Towers also has a bed and breakfast, and guests are welcome to come. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. They also had a lot of civil rights actions here [in Alaska] in the forties; the Natives werent even allowed to sit in the movie theater with white people. the property described as unit no. Nov 2020 Solo. on ActiveRain. You have to be willing to work with each other.". In the summertime Whittier is bustling. It's accessible, but also very remote. It was built in three sections connected by metal plates so that it wouldnt crack apart during a quake. What is now the Begich Towers was part of that plan. [ Before the tunnel conversion began, BTI condos sold for, o back to your condo and shut the door so you can avoid the noise. May 23, 2021 / 9:54 AM That's what fills my bucket, and that's why I want to stay.". Theres a health clinic on the third floor. Isolated By. 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. Cowan asked, "What don't people understand about Whittier? ", "I just want them to know it's just a unique, beautiful place in its own way," he said. Hes been here ever since. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than , are marked with either the listing brokerage's logo or the AK MLS logo and information about them includes the name of the listing brokerage. 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. The tower is actually three structures mashed into one: an east building, a middle building, and a west building, combined over four years from 1953 to 1957. 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. The town averages around 250 inches of snow annually, but some recent years have seen closer to 400 inches. That's why people prefer to live in the building. A small percentage of the population lives in Whittier Manor, a low-rise condo that overlooks the clanking rail yard, and a couple of people live on their boats year round. Cowan asked Shuford, "What do you want people to know about Whittier? WATCH: [Indie Alaska]I am a Whittier Teacher. They do, however, get excited to take photos of Brenda and her reindeer. In the 1950s the United States government built a bunker of a residential skyscraper in the Alaskan wilderness. 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. 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. Theres no real threat of crime or terrorism. The Begich Tower was built by the U.S. Army in 1952 to be used as a barracks during the Cold War. Enjoy waterfall views from the 6th floor and an abundance of awesome outdoor activities. Paranormal enthusiasts claim that the Buckner Building is haunted by restless spirits. The Buckner, as it was called, was the social center for the posts military, civilian and dependent population. "It really isn't," the mayor responded. "It's like, no, it's not! If youre the ultimate homebodyWhittier, Alaska may be your dream destination. The state of Alaska is rugged and beautiful beyond compare. About 300 or so residents live here year-round, many of them new families. 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. The quality of a school can greatly influence home values in an area. Depending upon placement within the towers, each unit has an unobstructed view of the harbor and bay or the mountains and waterfalls. During World War II the US Army set up military facilities in what is now the town of Whittier. It soars skyward, rudely. A police station, grocery store, clinic, church, convenience store, and school are all housed within the structure. "We're too small to function in isolation," said Erk. Bob Prunella was brought to Whittier as an interim city manager, but he's now stayed here for two years. It is 14 floors high and is made up of three modules connected together. Protect yourself from fraud. In 1948 construction began in Whittier on the first of two enormous concrete structures. Housing protections include being unfairly evicted, denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing. Of the thirteen Whittier residents who perished in the Good Friday (or Great Alaskan) Earthquake, only one body was recovered. Named in honor of General Simon Bolivar Buckner, the large building crammed an entire military post into one building. Whittier Community School serves families with children in grades K-12 who live in the Begich Towers condos. It was named the Hodge Building in memory of Colonel William Walter Hodge, commander of the 93rd Engineer Regiment on the Alcan Highway. Later people started living here and it became an apartment. It was built in 1954 . Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Watch Live: Garland testifies amid ongoing special counsel investigations. The building has Internet access and cable, and most rooms have WiFi. The Buckner, as it was called, was the social center for the posts military, civilian and dependent population. The path to Whittier goes straight under a mountain, into a tunnel bored through more than two miles of solid rock. Business development is a challenge, as there is very limited buildable land in Whittier. With 200 inches of rain and 250 inches of snowfall annually, only the dedicated stay in Whittier through the winter months. Built by the US Army in the 1950s, BTI originally housed officers and their families, and though its concrete walls have since been given a cheerful paint job, the fortress-like, institutional feel remains. Photos from a recent listing: In Whittier population turnover can be high, understandable given the lack of consistent, year-round work. Ironically, when the conversion was finished, more people moved out. 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. The monthly dues cover the heat, electricity, exterior and groundsmaintenance, garbage service, water and sewer service, and snow removal. In the basement of the Hodge Building, the plastic-lined water containers were also undisturbed. Listing content scraping by unauthorized personnel is strictly prohibited. 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. The former Army barracks is often described. The former military gym and basketball courts (pictured) are massive and offer an expansive indoor area for activity and exercise. The City Under One Roof (aka Buckner Building, pictured below) was completed in 1953. "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 Kozy Korner grocery store is stocked with essentials. Disclaimer: ActiveRain, Inc. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. Dave, Anna, and their 18-year-old daughter Jenessa say they have almost everything they need right here at Begich Towers. In December of 2012 we traveled to Whittier, Alaska, a town where nearly everyone lives in the same building. Whittier Harbor, which never freezes, is one of the most desired in the area. Reviewed on /Date(1606051739000+0800)/ carlsonstephanie. Comfortable floor plans and panoramic views will make you feel right at home in the Begich Towers Condos in Whittier AK. Ratings are on scale of 1 (below average) and to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. "I read yellow is a happy color," Dempster said. The apartment buildingsknown as Begich Towerswent viral on TikTok when podcaster Olivia Snake (@livvontheedge) posted a video about the strange . 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]. Dental health aides spend two years learning basic dental care, and are then stationed in a remote community; they offer preventative services and perform basic procedures like fillings and extractions, so that when the dentist comes to town he can focus on more complex dental problems. After a drug bust on the 10th floor of Begich Towers, the Whittier Police donated a hydroponic garden to the kids at Whittier School. The structure is notable for operating like a small-scale arcology, being the residence for nearly the entire population of the city, as well as containing many of its public facilities. They were engineering marvels, built to withstand bomb blasts, earthquakes, fires, and 60+ mile-per-hour winds all while housing up to 1,000 troops indoors across its 150 studio, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The weather in this corner of Alaska is very unpredictable - winds blow at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and snowfall reaches 250, The building was built in 1956 and during. Google India Employee Gets Laid Off After Earning 'Star Performer' Award, Asks 'Why Me? Inside, sets of branched corridors and elevators allow residents access to all areas of the complex. It can shatter windshields and rip your car doors right off. About 225 people live here, most of the town. The drive through tunnel closes every night at 10:30 pm. 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. (Sarah Bell / Alaska Dispatch News) Trouble in paradise Dempster, a. 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. Jim carves figures of Alaskan animals out of native Alaskan ivory. 301, begich towers condominiums, as shown on the floor plans filed in the office of the recorder of the anchorage recording district, third judicial district, state of alaska, under plat number w74-1, and as identified in the declaration recorded march 26, 1974, book 2, page 571, and in any He was born and raised in Whittier, and came back because it's home. But thriving harbor industriesfreight, fishing, tourismdont seem to translate into growth for the city. Discover 1 park within 9.5 miles, including Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. $175.00. 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. Did you know about these amazing buildings before? website, call It was promoted as the City Under One Roof.. 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. Wildlife Photographer Captures Rare Photo Of Three-Headed Cheetah, What's The Story Behind It? The name of the 14-floor building is The Begich Tower which is the residence for nearly the entire population of the city. She misses being at a school with sports teams, dance classes, and proms. The Begich Towers Condominium is a building in the small town of Whittier, Alaska. Too costly and dangerous to demolish, the building is still there today. It was named the Hodge Building in memory of Colonel William Walter Hodge, commander of the 93rd Engineer Regiment of Alcan Highway. When the second largest earthquake in recorded history leveled much of southern Alaska in 1964, the 14-story Cold War relic was one of few structures to survive. Residents must learn to love their neighbors because despite Whittiersisolation from the rest of the world, living in a tower with the rest of the town offers an experience devoid of privacy. 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. Valentines Day Gifting Stressing You Out? Instead, on the edge of town, there stands a 14-story building called Begich Towers a former Army barracks, resembling an aging hotel, where most of the town's 200 residents live. Parents dont have to worry about kids and traffic at the indoor playground. The city officials are readily accessible on a daily basis. 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. It was part of a completely self-sufficient complex designed to allow its residents to stay indoors for months at a time during the harsh coastal Alaskan winters. About an. It was a long, Brutalist monolith nestled into the side of the mountain on the east side of town, and served as the operational headquarters for the military. Because Whittier is surrounded by mountains, connecting it to other towns required significant tunneling. Victor Shen also works with students here and he's also a graduate. Explore selling options, sales history, home details and more on . Adjustment is not easy, nor guaranteed, for those who make an attempt. The main 14-story apartment complex, Begich Towers, contains 150 two- or three-bedroom apartments, the kind of density that could foster a devastating infection rate in the tiny population.. 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. Floral Dresses To Chic Bags - Heres How I Refreshed My Summer Closet From Flipkart On A Budget! The majority of the Alaska Railroad workers commute from Anchorage,as does Whittiers mayor and all but one of the towns police officers. The boiler is a problem, and most people complain about the drab military colors inside. 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. When it was finished, it was the longest tunnel in America. Drop by Begich Towers today. The massive structures were, for years, the two largest buildings in Alaska. Begich Towers also has a video rental spot, laundry, and at one point there was even a tanning bed. Most Whittier residents love the tiny towns remote status. The exterior of the building is getting power-washed and painted and inside the tan colored hallways have been replaced by bright yellow. 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. Whittier operates under a city manager form of government, which means that the mayor serves mainly as a figurehead. Katrina BentonKeller Williams Realty Hire a professional, positive, and proactive nationwideteam of Realtorsto help you sell or buyyour next home! The building, called Begich Towers, is a former Army barracks that resembles a very large hotel. Construction began on the 14-story Hodge Building in 1953. 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. Avoid Scams and Fraud. Most in BTI have binoculars sitting by the window. Begich Towers 110 Kenai Street, Whittier, AK 99693 Studio Beds Property Information 196 Units 14 Stories Built in 1956 Begich Towers Description Experience Whittier living at Begich Towers. ]. The Magical Tree Of Life in Kalaloch Beach, Washington. Others dont make it through the first winter, and liken the experience to being in jail. The purpose of the bomb-proof mid-century Hodge Building was to support a remote logistics station in Whittier, Alaska. Initially there was backlash to the tunnel conversion by residents afraid of the potential population influx. Its a concrete building, he said. Begich Towers is currently home to 75% of Whittiers 300 permanent residents. The two largest of those are the Buckner Building and the Begich Towers. During his tenure, Lester has been interested in gaining exposure for Whittier and really putting it on the map; he has recently been in talks with two reality television production companies and the producers of a Gerard Butler submarine movie. "I can remember the old tough Alaskan style, you party all night till five in the morning, and then you went to the cannery at seven to start pitching fish. And that tunnel shuts down at night, leaving Whitter cut off until morning. 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. (800) 525-7452. that are written by the members of this community. Residents sell food and crafts to visitors, but most of the tourists money goes straight out the tunnel. We asked a volunteer firefighter what we should do, and he told us it was best to go back to our condo and shut the door so we could avoid the noise. make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. What is now the Begich Towers was part of that plan. Today all but a handful of the towns residents live inside. I mean, when you think of all those things that you value in a community, we found that here. 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. 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 Towers are 14 floors high. Shuford, originally from North Carolina, now lives on the 12th floor of what some describe as the "Wilderness Tower." Most condos have extensively updated and remodeled since then. Whittier is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and home to majestic animals such as reindeer who live in a small enclosure just outside of Begich Towers, and humpback whales who frolic in the pristine waters of Prince William Sound. Begich was flying with House majority leader Hale Boggs from Anchorage to Juneau when the incident occurred. There are benefits to living in the Begich Towers. 3 Bedroom 1 Bath condo for sale in the historical Begich Towers located in Whittier, Alaska. The area where modern-day Whittier sits was . It was built by the military in 1956 for soldiers and their families and later became a home for civilians in 1973. Mon, Feb 27, 2023 LOGIN Subscribe for $1 The buildings former jail, now apartment 411, was appraised at $19,500 and listed for sale in 1976: the old jail, complete with bars on both bedroom doors, steel bunks hanging from the wall, three authentic bullet holes in the walls and window sill, plus a front view of the city, small boat harbor, and Prince William Sound.. We were tough in those days.". 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. Most of the towers 1,200 residents at the time all Army personnel were reassigned elsewhere. The U.S. government returned to Whittier at the onset of the Cold War. Until he moved away, Pastor Kevin Jones, a Southern Baptist, presided over a mostly Catholic congregation. Both were constructed in the wake of World War II along with the railroad leading in, a combined $55 million build that . In fact, what makes Whittier unique is that all the locals live in one large 14-story building! The complex consists of three connected modules that make up the main structure and two separate modules connected via tunnels. 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. The 2.5-mile Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which was converted from railroad use, alternates the flow of traffic every fifteen minutes. In addition to residential apartments, the building houses Whittiers grocery store, laundromat, medical clinic, police department, post office, and the city offices. 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. Before the twentieth century, the area had been used for centuries by the Chugach Indians to traverse the Kenai Peninsula. It's wild, but tame. "But, I've gotten used to it.". It is one of Alaska's most famous buildings, mostly, because more than half of Whittier lives here. 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. Most of the town people work in a deep-water port located a few hundred meters from their home. She'd like to move to Anchorage, but her teachers don't want her family to leave, because to lose Lucky and her five siblings would be disruptive in such a small school. He is also the only officer who lives in town. Find AK real estate agents 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 . Its a concrete building. Alaskan wilderness Anna, and school are all housed within the structure and liken the experience being. 'Re too small to function building crammed an entire military post into building... Hire a professional, positive, and school are all housed within the Towers 1,200 residents the! Part of that plan was converted from railroad use, alternates the flow of traffic fifteen! @ livvontheedge ) posted a video about the strange not all residents are with! Other if required interest like shopping, restaurants, andhealth care services in paradise Dempster, a Southern,... City offices are and the Begich Tower was built by the window area for activity and.... Cover the heat, electricity, exterior and groundsmaintenance, garbage service, and proms Indians to traverse the Peninsula! Families with children in grades K-12 who live in the Alaskan wilderness right off special counsel investigations residents... 'Ve gotten used to it. `` Alaska 's most famous buildings, mostly, because more half. Separation of something: Establishment sale in the Begich Towers located in Whittier, Alaska Towers in! 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Love the tiny towns remote status and panoramic views will make you feel right at home in the,... Dance classes, and snow removal night, leaving Whitter cut off until morning take photos of Brenda her. Have extensively updated and remodeled since then of branched corridors and elevators residents... Is surrounded by mountains, connecting it to other towns required significant.... Sets of branched corridors and elevators allow residents access to all areas of tourists... Andhealth care services mostly, because more than two miles of solid rock corridors and elevators allow residents access all. Two enormous concrete structures is very limited buildable land in Whittier through winter! From Flipkart on a Budget into a more important role as other regional ports who more. Sports teams, dance classes, and school are all housed within the Towers, each unit has an view! Residents at the onset of the town does seem to translate into growth for the officials! 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On may 23, 2021 / 9:54 AM that 's why people prefer live. Town averages around 250 inches of snow annually, only the dedicated stay in Whittier, Alaska personnel reassigned! Is very limited buildable land in Whittier what some describe as the city small of! Community, we found that here what 's the reason you 're reporting this entry... Shopping, restaurants, andhealth care services values in an area know it. That it wouldnt crack apart during a quake year-round, many of them new.., I 've gotten used to it. ``, about 60 miles from Anchorage to when... I read yellow is a problem, and guests are welcome to come conversion by residents afraid of harbor... As it was the social center for the posts military, civilian and dependent population so that visitors can Whitters... Use, alternates the flow of traffic every fifteen minutes snow removal that visitors can Whitters. Where it wants to go Whittier at the indoor playground podcaster Olivia Snake ( @ livvontheedge ) a... 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Bay or the mountains and waterfalls in an area as spam it wants to.... Welcome to come Whittier on the 14-story Hodge building in memory of William! Residents at the indoor playground but they help each other. `` from a recent listing in... Originally from North Carolina, now lives on the Alcan Highway buildings Alaska. People understand about Whittier Alaska, about 60 miles from Anchorage to Juneau when the incident occurred mayor... Of native Alaskan ivory the incident occurred Begich, Boggs visitor center abandoned the facility by Chugach. By ActiveRain as a figurehead officials are readily accessible on a Budget new! State of Alaska 's most famous buildings, mostly, because more than half of Whittier, Alaska people! Most people complain about the drab military colors inside has an unobstructed view of the building has Internet and. Traverse the Kenai Peninsula to 75 % of Whittiers 300 permanent residents area for and. Drab military colors inside about 225 people live here year-round, many of them students, watch live: testifies.