Introduction
Charleston, West Virginia, has long grappled with the challenges of affordable housing, and two of its most significant landmarks in this struggle are the Littlepage Terrace and Orchard Manor housing projects. These developments, born from New Deal idealism and reshaped by modern urban renewal efforts, reflect the shifting priorities of public housing in America. This blog post traces their journey from 1930s social reform to 21st-century revitalization, highlighting their architectural, social, and political legacies.
Chapter 1: New Deal Foundations and Littlepage Terrace’s Early Years
Littlepage Terrace emerged as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. Authorized in 1938 and completed in 1940, it was the first low-income public housing project in West Virginia, though delays in acquiring land for Washington Manor (WVA 1-1) allowed Littlepage Terrace (WVA 1-2) to open first. Designed by architects Charles A. Haviland and H. Rus Warne, the eight-building complex initially housed white residents, offering modern amenities like hot water, gas, electricity, and landscaped grounds—a stark contrast to the slums of Blackhawk Hollow and Slip Hill.
The project’s social mission was clear: tenants paid subsidized rents (30% of adjusted income) and gained access to laundries, playgrounds, and community spaces. At the time, public housing was seen as a temporary solution for upward mobility, with strict income thresholds ensuring only the neediest qualified . However, racial segregation persisted; Washington Manor, completed in 1941, originally housed Black and white residents in separate sections.
Chapter 2: Orchard Manor’s Postwar Expansion
Orchard Manor, completed in 1955, became a cornerstone of Charleston’s postwar housing strategy. Located on Lippert Street, the complex offered two- to four-bedroom units with utilities included, catering to families and seniors. Unlike Littlepage Terrace, Orchard Manor incorporated HUD-funded subsidies, leading to long waiting lists that persist today. Its design emphasized community, with amenities like a basketball court, computer lab, and after-school programs at Chandler Elementary.
However, Orchard Manor also faced challenges. Built on unstable terrain prone to landslides, its construction required costly redesigns. Over time, the project became a symbol of both opportunity and stigma—a steppingstone for some and a trap of generational poverty for others.
Chapter 3: Decline and the Shift to Modernization
By the late 20th century, both projects suffered from underfunding and neglect. Littlepage Terrace’s original buildings, lacking air conditioning and security features, were deemed unsafe. Residents like Tatia Maze-Lewis, who lived nearby, described the complex as outdated and insecure. Similarly, Orchard Manor struggled with crime and economic isolation, despite its waiting lists reflecting persistent demand.
The Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority (CKHA) acknowledged these issues. Allan McVey, CKHA chairman and a former Littlepage Terrace resident, emphasized the need for safer, prouder communities: “We want our people to stay here for a while”.
Chapter 4: Revitalization and Mixed-Income Communities
In the early 2000s, Charleston launched a sweeping redevelopment plan. Littlepage Terrace’s original buildings were demolished and replaced with two-story townhomes resembling those at Orchard Manor and Washington Manor. The redesign prioritized safety, with security systems, improved visibility, and air conditioning.
Orchard Manor retained its HUD subsidies but integrated modern features like 24-hour surveillance and a business center . The CKHA also adopted mixed-income models, dispersing public housing throughout Charleston to reduce economic segregation. By 2025, these efforts had transformed the complexes into symbols of resilience, blending historic intent with contemporary needs.
Conclusion: Lessons from Charleston’s Housing Journey
Littlepage Terrace and Orchard Manor embody the duality of public housing—idealistic beginnings, midcentury struggles, and cautious optimism in renewal. Their stories remind us that housing policy must balance dignity with practicality, preserving community roots while adapting to new challenges. As Charleston continues to innovate, these projects stand as testaments to the enduring need for equitable shelter.
Annotated Bibliography
- Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority. “Historic Washington Manor and Littlepage Terrace Public Housing Projects.” CKHA. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.ckha.com/history.htm.
- This official history details the New Deal origins of Littlepage Terrace and Washington Manor, including architectural features, income requirements, and racial segregation. It contextualizes their role in Charleston’s early public housing efforts.
- WCHS. “Littlepage Terrace in Charleston Receiving Major Renovations.” WCHSTV. Last modified August 3, 2016. https://wchstv.com/news/local/littlepage-terrace-in-charleston-receiving-major-renovations.
- A news article covering the 2016 demolition and reconstruction of Littlepage Terrace, emphasizing safety improvements and community reactions.
- Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority. “Public Housing.” CKHA. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.ckha.com/public.htm.
- Outlines CKHA’s current programs, including rent structures (30% of income), resident services, and anti-discrimination policies. Highlights ongoing support for Littlepage Terrace and Orchard Manor.
- Affordable Housing Online. “Littlepage Terrace in Charleston, WV.” Affordable Housing Online. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/West-Virginia/Charleston/Littlepage-Terrace/10052711.
- Describes post-renovation amenities (playgrounds, computer labs) and unit details. Notes the lack of subsidized rents in the modernized complex.
- City of Charleston. “Progress in Charleston, Part 2.” CharlestonWV.gov. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.charlestonwv.gov/government/major-developments.
- Lists CKHA’s townhome projects and broader urban renewal efforts post-2003, including Littlepage Terrace’s reconstruction.
- Living New Deal. “Littlepage Terrace (Demolished) – Charleston WV.” Living New Deal. Last modified October 28, 2018. https://livingnewdeal.org/sites/littlepage-terrace-charleston-wv/.
- Provides architectural and historical details about Littlepage Terrace’s construction, designers, and demolition. Cites primary sources like West Virginia Historic Property Inventory Forms.
- Affordable Housing Online. “Orchard Manor | Charleston, WV Low Income Apartments.” Affordable Housing Online. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/West-Virginia/Charleston/Orchard-Manor/10052712.
- Details Orchard Manor’s HUD subsidies, amenities, and waiting list challenges. Highlights its role in Charleston’s affordable housing landscape.
- WCHS. “Littlepage Terrace to Be Demolished and Rebuilt.” WCHSTV. Last modified August 4, 2016. https://wchstv.com/news/local/littlepage-terrace-to-be-demolished-and-rebuilt.
- Includes resident and official perspectives on Littlepage Terrace’s safety issues and redevelopment goals. Features quotes from CKHA Chairman Allan McVey.
As always, thank you for riding with me!
https://youtu.be/OpoQxUiCvqc
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Visibility: Sunny
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
South Charleston
Dunbar
Institute
Cross Lanes
Nitro (10:00)
Saint Albans (18:30)
1st Avenue – WV25 (Institute) (50:00)
Riverwalk Plaza (South Charleston) (1:12:00)
Southridge (1:37:00)
Alum Creek
Creekstone Ridge (1:46:00)
Tornado
Saint Albans (2:09:30)
Jefferson
Charleston (2:57:00)
Big Chimney
West Side – Patrick Street (4:08:00)
Orchard Manor (4:26:30)
Little Page (4:29:00)
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IWoDtlir7k6eww0PNVdGh?si=dca253ebf4e94ac1 – Chill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TNiUuJHvogwtk7ZxWoOpl?si=d4594c2bf5ff4328 – Upbeat
