Buckner Building, Military complex in Whittier, United States
The Buckner Building is a massive military complex in Whittier, Alaska, stretching about 500 feet and rising six stories high. Inside, it contains residential quarters, a theater, bowling alley, library, shops, and medical facilities, all housed under one roof.
The building was constructed in 1953 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to accommodate approximately 1,000 soldiers with living quarters and recreational facilities. It was part of the Cold War defense strategy in Alaska.
The structure was designed as a self-contained system that combined housing, entertainment, and daily services in one location. From the outside, visitors can see how this concept of a closed community is expressed in its architecture.
The building is not open to the public due to structural deterioration, asbestos contamination, and safety hazards. Visitors can view the exterior from outside Whittier, which gives a sense of its massive scale.
The building survived the 1964 earthquake with minimal damage because it was built on solid bedrock, while the surrounding town suffered significant damage. This resilience shows how solidly the complex was constructed.
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