Near Edgemont, South Dakota, hundreds of former military bunkers have been given an unexpected second life as private residences. The structures were built in the early 1940s as part of the Black Hills Army Depot, where more than 500 reinforced-concrete bunkers were used to store ammunition. The nearby community of Igloo once served the workers and their families, but after the military installation closed, the town declined and eventually became a ghost town.
Decades later, the abandoned bunkers attracted attention from people interested in alternative housing, off-grid living, and emergency preparedness. In 2016, part of the former depot was developed as Vivos xPoint, a community where people can lease bunkers and transform them into living spaces. The concrete structures feature thick walls and reinforced entrances, but many are initially unfinished, requiring residents to add insulation, ventilation, electricity, plumbing, lighting, and other essentials.
Living underground comes with both advantages and challenges. The surrounding earth provides natural insulation and can help moderate temperatures, while the thick concrete structures offer privacy and protection from severe weather. However, the lack of windows means residents have limited natural light, making artificial lighting particularly important. Depending on the property, residents may also need systems for power generation, water storage and filtration, waste management, and other utilities.
Inside, some bunker owners have transformed the stark concrete interiors into surprisingly comfortable homes. Reclaimed wood, modern lighting, efficient appliances, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, and open living areas can make the spaces feel more like conventional houses. Some residents also use solar panels, gardens, and other features to support a more self-sufficient lifestyle. Still, maintaining an underground home can require significant planning, money, and ongoing work.
These former military bunkers offer a fascinating example of adaptive reuse, turning Cold War-era infrastructure into unconventional housing. The result is a community that combines history, privacy, and alternative living in a setting unlike a traditional neighborhood. For those willing to accept the limitations of underground life, these unusual homes show how an abandoned military site can be transformed into something entirely new.
