The Enigmatic Tale of the Goose Creek Dr. Seuss Tower in Alaska
The Goose Creek Dr. Seuss Tower is an extraordinary sight that deserves a comprehensive, 360-degree observation to be fully appreciated. As you start your circular journey around the tower, you’ll first notice its whimsical design, reminiscent of the playful and imaginative world created by Dr. Seuss. The colors are vibrant and varied, drawing your eye up the spiraling structure. Each level of the tower seems to offer a new surprise, with windows and balconies placed in seemingly haphazard, yet charmingly deliberate patterns. The whimsical architecture seems to defy conventional design, with curves and angles that challenge the norm. As you continue your circular tour, the back side of the tower reveals a garden adorned with sculptures and landscapes that seem to have leaped right out of the pages of a Dr. Seuss book. Completing the 360-degree tour, it becomes clear that the Goose Creek Dr. Seuss Tower is not just a building, but a piece of living art that continuously delights and surprises viewers from every angle.
Image by: Melissa Billups
In the dense wilderness of Alaska, a unique structure stands tall, captivating the imagination of history enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. The Goose Creek Dr. Seuss Tower, a whimsical edifice towering over the landscape, is a testament to one man’s architectural dream and the embodiment of a fantastical vision grounded in reality. This blog post delves into the history, construction, and current status of this fascinating tower, offering a detailed narrative for those enthralled by the allure of abandoned places.
The Visionary Behind the Tower
The brainchild of Phillip Weidner, an Anchorage-based attorney with a passion for architecture, the Goose Creek Tower began as a modest project. Initially envisioned as a simple two-story cabin, Weidner’s creativity and engineering prowess led to an ever-evolving design. The project, started around 20 years ago, transformed from a basic log cabin into a multi-storied tower, reaching a staggering height of 185 feet​​​​​​.
A Construction Journey Spanning Decades
The construction of the Goose Creek Tower is a story of relentless ambition and continual growth. Weidner embarked on this journey with a 40 by 40 log cabin, laying a concrete foundation and basement. As he progressed, he kept adding more floors, using the 12 by 12 uprights, nicknamed the ‘eight sisters’, to support the additional structures. The tower evolved to feature eight decks, each providing 360-degree panoramic views of the stunning Alaskan landscape​​​​.
The top of the tower boasts an octagon-shaped room, reached by a steel support placed atop the steeple using a 235-foot crane. This room offers unparalleled views, stretching over 300 miles on clear days, encompassing sights from Denali to Homer and the Cook Inlet​​​​.
Abandonment and Decay: A Pause in the Dream
After substantial progress in the late 90s, Weidner took a hiatus from the project, leaving the tower virtually abandoned. This period saw the site attracting numerous visitors and Dr. Seuss fans, drawn by its quirky and whimsical design. However, the lack of maintenance led to some decay, and the site was temporarily closed off to the public for safety reasons​​.
Goose Creek Tower Today: An Ongoing Legacy
Today, the Goose Creek Tower remains under construction. Weidner, balancing his career and this passion project, has not yet completed the tower. Despite the slow pace, his vision for the property is ambitious. He plans to make it a private home for his family, potentially opening it up to the public in the future. The property is intended to be a haven for enjoying the northern lights and the surrounding wilderness. Weidner also envisions adding a “bubble” on the top of the octagon, although federal airspace regulations limit any further vertical expansion​​.
Capturing the Essence of the Tower
For history aficionados and urban explorers, the Goose Creek Dr. Seuss Tower stands as a symbol of individual creativity and architectural wonder. Although the site is not currently open to the public, its story continues to inspire and intrigue. The tower’s design, reminiscent of the fantastical worlds of Dr. Seuss, yet firmly rooted in the Alaskan wilderness, represents a bridge between imagination and reality.
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A 360-degree aerial panoramic image capturing the Goose Creek Dr. Seuss Tower in Alaska. Image by: Melissa Billups
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure.
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