by If I tell you that you have to live in a building where, along with your home, you have your office, your business, a hospital, and also grocery stores, post office, shopping, police, school, laundry room, market, and all other facilities, would you prefer to live there? Such a building still exists today: Begich Towers in Whittier, Alaska
About Begich Towers:
Begich Towers is a 14-floor building located in Whittier, Alaska. It is famous because many people live and work here in this building, you will get anything you want..no need to go outside at all, it’s like a one step for everything . While walking inside these towers, you’ll feel like you’re walking down a street, as the view is similar, with various shops, police, offices, and more.
These towers were built between 1953-1957 during World War II, and today, about 85% of Whittier’s population or around 263 people live in this building. It was specifically built because, due to Alaska’s weather it is quite difficult to go outside during winter, so a central location was needed where people could live and easily meet their daily needs.
Travel to Begich Towers, Whittier:
You can reach Whittier through the Anderson Memorial Tunnel. This tunnel is 2.5 miles (4 km) long, and it is the longest highway tunnel in the world through which both vehicles and trains can pass. However, this tunnel opens only at specific times for limited durations.
The biggest thing is that this is a one-way tunnel. You can only go at specific times and return at specific times. Also, cycles are not allowed here. The top two floors of this tower are reserved for tourists, so in simple terms there is also hotel accommodation available here.
Safety & Security:
Great attention has been given to the safety and security of these towers, ensuring that they are resistant to earthquakes and fires. The building is stable against earthquakes, and its structural design uses materials and techniques that allow the building to flex during an earthquake, helping to prevent further damage.
To protect the building from fires, modern fire safety features have been installed, including fire-resistant materials, smoke detection systems, and fire escapes. As for crime, this building is a secure complex where surveillance and security measures are in place for residents although small thefts or normal disputes are occasionally seen.
Occupation, Government Help, and Future Plans:
Whittier is also a tourist destination and a major fishing hub, which provides a lot of job opportunities for the people there, such as tour guides, hotel and lodging staff, boat tours, outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking, marine transportation services, seafood processing, fishery-related jobs, and working in local shops.
Despite being a small town, the government provides great assistance to Whittier, as it is an isolated place and transportation is quite critical. The government maintains the roads and handles snow removal and road maintenance.
Whittier has a small healthcare facility, but if someone needs advanced treatment, the state and federal governments provide transportation and medical assistance. Government health programs like Medicaid and Medicare are also available to residents.
If natural disasters or emergencies damage the infrastructure, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides grants to Whittier to help with recovery and rebuilding.
Looking ahead, the government has some great plans for the future, and it’s possible that more development will happen in the coming years, increasing resources for the people.
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