March 17, 2015 - Whittier, Alaska is only 60 miles from Anchorage, but feels a world away. The tiny port town is accessible by car only through a single lane, 2.5 mile tunnel that runs below the Chugach mountains. Tunnel traffic alternates directions every 30 minutes. The tiny community has been described as a town under one roof due to the majority of people living in one building, the Begich tower, which is reportedly in need of major repairs. The feature-film "Hunter Killer," which was scheduled to begin shooting this spring has cancelled or postponed plans to begin production, which would have doubled or tripled the town's population for the duration of filming and made a significant economic impact on the town. Still, residents spoke about interest from multiple reality shows, at least one of which has already done some shooting.
Terry Bender sits in her daughter Brandi's apartment petting the family cat, Willow. Terry also lives in an apartment in the building. In the background is Terry's grandson, Chase who is the fourth generation of his family living in the Begich Tower. Terry's mother was known as the 'Matriarch of Whittier' in her day.
Nick Swain, a maintenance worker in Whittier poses outside the Begich Tower with his dogs. Maintenance workers in the building were purportedly going to be featured in a reality tv show.
Sam Gimelli is a real estate agent, and manages sales of apartment units in the Begich building. Some apartments he has sold three or four times.
Paul Frederickson is one of the few residents of Whittier who doesn't live in the Begich building. He stays in an RV parked behind the Anchor Inn, the only bar and restaurant in Whittier open year round. Of his RV, Paul said, "It ain't goin' nowhere."
Wayne Shen tends bar at the Anchor Inn, his family's restaurant/bar/inn. Wayne has a degree in engineering and is helping with structural problems in the Begich Tower. He returned to Whittier to help his family's business before starting his 'real career.'
The Whittier-side entrance to the single-lane tunnel. The tunnel services both automotive and train traffic, and at 2.5 miles long is the longest highway tunnel and longest combined rail and highway use tunnel in North America. It is the first tunnel designed for -40 degrees fahrenheit temperatures and 150 mph winds, and includes jet turbine and portal fan ventilation. The vaulted roof is meant to withstand avalanches as well.