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Doomsday bunker under construction in Mojave Desert

A company is taking deposits to reserve space in a nuke-proof bunker underneath the Mojave Desert.

By Associated PressMon, May 17 2010 at 3:02 PM EST
 6


HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF: The Mojave Desert land where the bunker is being built was originally used as an emergency government communications center during the Cold War. (Photo: wsfurlan/iStockphoto)
A company with a doomsday plan is taking money for what it promises will be a comfortable, nuke-proof bunker under the Mojave Desert, with an atrium, gym and jail, and sloppy joes and pearl potatoes on the menu.
 
Robert Vicino, who runs the Del Mar-based company called Vivos, has collected deposits on half the 132 spaces planned in the 13,000-square-foot bunker in Barstow.
 
The facility is among several popping up across the country as fears of doomsday have been fueled recently by strong earthquakes, terrorism and predictions of the world's end in 2012 when the ancient Mayan calendar is said to end.
 
"I'm careful not to promote fear. But sooner or later, I believe you're going to need to seek shelter," said Vicino, a real estate salesman whose career started with advertising and moved on to timeshares.
 
The political climate now in some ways reflects the Cold War era, when many Americans dug backyard fallout shelters, said Jeffrey Knopf, an associate professor of national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.
 
"There's a lot of free-floating anxiety out there about the dangers that terrorists will get nuclear weapons and it multiplies," he said.
 
Facilities such as Vicino's are attracting interest in other states such as Oregon and Kansas, where one engineer is developing underground survival condos for $1.75 million.
 
In Barstow, $50,000 will get a bunk in a four-person room. Vicino is still taking reservations: $5,000 for adults and $2,500 for kids. Pets are free.
 
He said the Portland, Ore., company that owns the Barstow property, TSG Investments, gave him permission to convert it. The land once belonged to AT&T and was originally used as an emergency government communications center during the Cold War.
 
The Los Angeles Times toured the bunker, promising not to reveal the location because Vicino said he didn't want freeloaders trying to get in if disaster strikes.
 
The Times found a giant open area with anemic blue walls and a 3,000-pound door. Vicino said he hasn't raised enough money to start renovating but claims the place is already protected from electromagnetic pulses that could destroy electrical equipment.
 
Steve Kramer, a 55-year-old respiratory therapist from San Pedro, said he paid $12,500 to reserve spots for him and his family. He's stocking up on dried food and teaching his 12-year-old son to ride a dirt bike in case they have to go off-road to get to the desert bunker.
 
"We're not crazy people, but these are fearful times," Kramer said.
 
Copyright 2010  AP News
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Related Topics: Natural Disasters, Wilderness

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anonymous
Lone Wanderer 08/11/2011 21:50 PM

I once was in one of those bunkers, Vaults they call them... Not much of a good experience. Especially when someone tries to steal your muffin.

anonymous
Mr. New Vegas 08/09/2011 01:47 AM

Ya'know sometimes the journey beats the destination, and especially when your spurs go Jingle, Jangle, Jingle and you meet some nice gals along the way.

anonymous
J.D. 11/08/2010 19:25 PM

I don't know when or how but something will go down. I wish we weren't living from day to day so that we could prepare. Eventhough I am sure my husband would think I have totally lost it.I can't even find the money to buy more ammo for my 9mm a must have to protect yoruself! Heck I am going to put it on my Christmas list. Possibly the weirdest Christmas request. But I do applaud anyone who is preparing or has already prepared. You go!!

anonymous
Tammy 08/29/2010 12:36 PM

I am a firm believer that something is going to happen to our earth. Look at the extinction of the dinosaurs. What I am more concerned about is the after math. Sure your in a safe bunker with enough food and water to last 6 months or so, but what is one really in for after they come out of hiding. Will you be able to grow your own food? Will there be clean drinking water? The food shortages alone for the survivors is going to cause mass chaos. I don't know, I would rather leave in peace.... More

anonymous
Guest 05/19/2010 19:01 PM

That is awesome on 15 different levels. I'm going to try and get enought money. Also, Tunnel Snakes rule.

anonymous
Anonymous 05/10/2011 08:07 AM

Join the Brotherhood of Steel! ;-)

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