Characteristic detached single family unit on the west side of the Hilltop Neighborhood. |
While Hilltop Manor is characterized by a predominantly senior population, the west side of the neighborhood is experiencing a growing trend toward transience. Several of the participants in the planning process indicated that they had moved to Hilltop to "get back on their feet again" and do not intend to stay there very long. Others, though, have either resided in the neighborhood for decades or have committed themselves to living in and improving the neighborhood.
The housing configuration in the neighborhood creates a campus-like feel; however, the general appearance is reminiscent of a poorly kept housing development. Because the homes were intended to be temporary, the style of housing is quite unique in comparison to any other area of the city. The construction and materials of the homes, while intended for temporary use, have allowed the structures to age well. Although the homes do not have permanent foundations, they were constructed of solid pine that is much larger than conventional dimensional lumber used in home construction.
Friendship Park. |
Units are small but can be easily combined to provide more marketable and flexible living accommodations. Interestingly, troubles that have plagued the housing since its original resale from the federal government--mainly those of code compliance--are only compounded today. In fact, several of the homes are not accessible to emergency vehicles and as a result have been lost to fire. These structures present a particular problem to the neighborhood because they sit on virtually "unbuildable" land (based on building regulations) and they become magnets for trouble that can plague the neighborhood from within.
The major green space in the neighborhood is Friendship Park which physically is the primary organizing element of the neighborhood (see Hilltop Neighborhood Land Use Map after page 15); however, lack of facilities, poor lighting,