Inside the world’s largest Doomsday Bunker Community!

October 26, 2020

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The fascination with doomsday prophecies and survival instincts has given rise to a market that capitalizes on people’s fear by offering survivalist products and innovations. Among these are survival shelters, commonly known as doomsday bunkers, designed to provide protection during emergencies and disruptions in social order.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Terra Vivos survival shelters in South Dakota, the purported largest survival community on Earth. In this article, we will delve into the rich history of the site, the conversion process of the bunkers into survival shelters, and a balanced assessment of the pros and cons of this unique construction.

History of the Site

Originally constructed in 1942, the Terra Vivos site served as the Black Hills Ordnance Depot, a US Army Base responsible for explosives and munitions storage and maintenance. The Army Corps of Engineers built around 800 underground bunkers, each made of reinforced concrete and equipped with sturdy steel doors. Over the years, the site underwent various transformations, from an Army Base to a cattle ranch. Today, the site spans an impressive 21,000 acres, offering breathtaking views of Wyoming’s mountains on one side and Nebraska on the other.

The Bunkers

The concrete bunkers have stood the test of time and remain structurally sound. Measuring 27 feet in width and 60 to 80 feet in length, the bunkers offer a floor space ranging from 1600 to 2100 square feet. With 12-inch thick walls and a depth of 2 to 3 feet of reinforced concrete in the foundation, these units are well-engineered and require little additional support. Each bunker features a single escape route—a 4’x8′ steel door. The interior space, measuring 13 feet at its highest point, is spacious enough to accommodate up to 24 people comfortably. To ensure self-sufficiency, the bunkers are spaced 400 feet apart to prevent damage from potential explosions.

The Community – Vivos XPoint

Robert Vicino, the driving force behind the entire survival shelter project, envisions Terra Vivos becoming a thriving community called Vivos XPoint. The 99-year lease plan, however, prevents individuals from owning the bunkers outright. Despite this, many have already purchased the bunkers and begun the conversion process, turning them into livable spaces. The shelter community operates entirely off the grid, relying on on-site deep wells for water, underground septic tanks for sewage treatment, renewable energy from wind turbines and solar panels, and creative solutions for internet access in the remote location.

Pros

The bunkers’ structural integrity eliminates the need for additional reinforcement, and the stable soil ensures that the foundations remain in excellent condition. The board-formed concrete interior walls provide an opportunity for austere minimalism, where the beauty of the raw structure is on display. The bunkers’ thermal mass helps maintain a comfortable interior temperature, regardless of extreme weather conditions outside.

Cons

While the Terra Vivos project is ambitious and promising, converting all 800 bunkers into a self-sustaining community requires a substantial number of permanent residents. Additionally, the bunkers’ location is remote, with unpaved roads leading to the site, which could present challenges during emergencies. Concerns about potential subsurface contamination from the site’s history as a former Army Base raise valid health and safety considerations.

Marketing and Future Potential

The Terra Vivos project’s marketing strategy could benefit from a more balanced approach that appeals to a broader audience, rather than relying on doomsday hype. The potential for transforming the site into a vibrant community with retail stores and recreational facilities is promising but requires careful planning and execution.

Conclusion

The Terra Vivos survival shelters represent a unique and exciting project with potential if enough individuals choose to invest in this endeavor. While the bunkers offer sturdy and secure spaces, their viability as a long-term living solution must be considered, particularly in terms of sunlight exposure and potential isolation. Despite some challenges, the vision of Vivos XPoint remains intriguing, and with careful development and marketing adjustments, the project may realize its ambitious goals of creating a thriving community in South Dakota.