The abandoned Buckner Building is a former U.S. military complex on Blackstone Road in Whittier, Alaska. Its reinforced-concrete exterior and empty windows make it a striking sight, while its history points to a once self-contained community with a hospital, theater, bowling alley, church and cafeteria. The building was damaged in the 1964 earthquake and is now in poor condition. Treat it as a landmark to view from a safe, permitted area: access may be restricted, and deteriorating materials pose hazards.
A self-contained military complex
The Buckner Building was built for military use and housed far more than accommodation. Its six-story reinforced-concrete structure contained a small hospital, a 320-seat theater, a four-lane bowling alley and a six-cell jail. A church, bakery, barbershop, library, radio station, rifle range, photo lab, commissary, large cafeteria and kitchen, and officers’ lounge were also part of the complex.
The range of services gives a sense of how the building functioned as a community within Whittier. It now stands abandoned, with a deteriorating interior. Reports of hidden spaces and underground passages do not make it safe to explore; access should be limited to areas where entry is permitted.
Whittier and the building’s later history
The U.S. Army maintained Whittier until 1960. The Buckner Building was damaged in the 1964 earthquake and has since been left vacant. Begich Towers, another large building associated with the military period, remains occupied; most of Whittier’s roughly 300 residents live there.
Whittier was once difficult to reach by road. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel now connects it with the Portage area and Alaska’s road system. The tunnel is 2.7 miles long and carries both road and rail traffic. A visit to the Buckner Building can therefore fit into a stop in Whittier, but viewing the landmark from a safe, permitted location is the appropriate way to appreciate it.
Perguntas frequentes
Can you go inside the Buckner Building?
Access may be restricted, and the building is in poor condition. Do not enter unless you have explicit permission, such as through an authorized local tour.
What was inside the Buckner Building?
The former military complex included a hospital, theater, bowling alley, church, cafeteria, library, bakery and other services.
When was the Buckner Building damaged?
It was damaged in the 1964 earthquake and is now abandoned.
How do you reach Whittier?
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel connects Whittier to the Portage area and the rest of Alaska’s road system.
