Where the whole town lives and works in one apartment building

Until 2015, the entire population of Whittier, Alaska, lived in a 14-story building called Begich Tower. By 2023, 85% of the population lived in the building. The remaining 15% lived in a two-story house not far away.

According to the school’s website, which is located in the complex, there are 60 students enrolled. More than 200 people live in Whittier year-round, mostly engaged in fishing, recreation and tourism. When asked about isolation, residents say, “We’re family here.”

Begich Tower was built during the Cold War (1947)-1991). The building houses a hospital, school, police station, grocery store, church, post office and town government offices.

The town is located in a remote part of the cold state of Alaska, about 1.5 hours drive southwest of Anchorage. Visitors can reach the town by glacier tunnel or by boat. Previously, the only way to get here in the winter was by train, but only if the weather permitted.

The state later converted a World War II train tunnel into a road. However, the road is narrow, and to avoid congestion, officials have stipulated that the road is one-way only, and changes direction every hour. The tunnel closes at 10:30 p.m. every day, so people who want to return or leave town must leave before that time.

Erika Fitzgerald moved to Alaska to teach after graduating, feeling “fascinated” when she heard about a town where most of the population lived under one roof. At first, Fitzgerald found it “weird” and “apocalyptic” that most of the town lived in one apartment building. After learning more, she found it “interesting.” Since moving to Whittier, she has lived there for five years. “It’s a fun and strange place,” she said.

In Whittier, people don’t have to deal with rush-hour traffic. They simply walk from their apartment to the elevator, down another floor, and to work. Jennifer Rogers, a resident, said she doesn’t have to take her three children to school every day. The kids just go down to the basement, through a bunker-like tunnel that connects the building to the school.

Janessa Lorenz, a local, posted a video of her apartment building to her personal page. The video shows the hallways, the post office, the grocery store, the school. All within a few steps or an elevator ride away. According to Lorenz, the building was built so that no one would have to go outside during the harsh winter months, when it snows and the winds can reach 130 km/h.

Lorenz's video quickly became a phenomenon, with millions of views in just one day. This shocked Lorenz himself. When he posted the video, Lorenz thought that not many people would care about this small town.

In addition to the apartment building he lives in, Lorenz also introduced the Buckner Building, which was once the largest structure in the state. According to Lorenz, Buckner was used as a US military base during World War II, and had a bowling alley, movie theater, kitchen, apartments, and a swimming pool before being abandoned.

“I live in one of the strangest towns,” Lorenz remarked.

According to the Alaska State Government website, Whittier has “a rich and diverse cultural history and beautiful scenery.” Each summer, the town of about 200 people welcomes more than 700,000 visitors. Kayaking, glacier cruises, berry picking, camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities for visitors. They also visit the unique 14-story apartment building.

Imagine living in the same building as everyone else in town. "It's great to know that I'm just one floor away from everyone in the community," Lorenz said.