About Us
Management Team
Management is provided by Wildwood Property Management, LLC, an affiliate of Westford Real Estate Management, LLC - a full service property management firm. Wildwood's property management experience extends to communities such as traditional apartments, low income tax credit, HUD section 202 and 236, and congregate housing.
Hill Top Auxiliary
The Hill Top Auxiliary is a group of volunteers from the community who assist the Board in social and service activities at Hill Top. Anyone with some time, energy, or talent to share is warmly welcomed. Participation is flexible, informal, and very rewarding. Many thanks to Audrey Bolton, Jean Duckworth, Carolyn Eppley, Tom Glover, Beverly Hennessey, Benita Raleigh, and Margaret Steele for their involvement. If you are interested in joining this group, please call Diane Glover at 203.838.4298.
Rowayton Senior Housing Corporation
This group of dedicated volunteers provides Hill Top with ongoing stewardship and guidance. The Board of Directors meets monthly, hosts dinners for the residents, actively works with the Administrator on current issues, long-term planning, and matters related to the quality of life for residents of Hill Top.
John Aldrich |
Meg Kelleher Sue Kipp Louisa Lima Frederick Lione Mary Lyons Graham Powell Roger Smith Woody Woodworth Honorary Directors Ann Martin DiLeone Ginny Green Petrea Poler |
A Bit of History
1968-1980 … A dream takes form
The Social Action Committee of the United Church of Rowayton, under the leadership of late Reverend Donald Emig, identified the growing need for affordable housing for low-income senior citizens.
The Rowayton Senior Housing Corporation was formed. This independent non-profit volunteer organization, led by the late Ken La Clair, included members of the Social Action Committee and others willing to dedicate time and energy to this work. This tenacious group searched for suitable locations, put together dozens of site and architectural plans, and sought support from neighbors and government agencies.
In 1975, The Thomas School property was available for $600,000 and this 15.5 acre site would have allowed for 100-128 apartments. Despite valiant efforts including Board Members of RSHC preparing to take out second mortgages on their homes, funds could not be raised fast enough.
Then the group tried to buy 13 acres on Witch Lane from the Second District Water Company, but they lost out to developers.
From the outset of the search for a site, the United Church of Rowayton had generously offered its “hill top”. While this beautiful 3-acre parcel enjoyed lovely views, the rock ledges and contours of the land made it an exceedingly challenging building site. However, after ten years of unfulfilled search for a bigger and easier parcel, the offer from United Church of Rowayton was gratefully accepted.
1980-1982 … Hill Top is built
It took money, support and cooperation from many different groups and individuals. New Samaritan Corporation, experienced in non-profit housing, agreed to sponsor the project to HUD. The Norwalk Redevelopment Corporation and the State Department of Housing provided a grant of $220,000 for the extensive site work and blasting needed to carve out space from the rocky hilltop. HUD provided the mortgage, and the Rowayton Senior Housing Corporation worked with everyone to shepherd the project to completion.
In 1982 Hill Top opened its doors. Ever since it has been a shining example of great accomplishments that are possible in our community and our country when people work together for good.
Hill Top’s Garden is Home to the Statue Brilliance
Sculpted and donated by Richard MacDonald, one of the most collected figurative sculptors at work today. It commemorates the life of Melinda Powell, who was brought up in Rowayton.
She rises with arms outstretched to cast resplendence on all who behold her