Finding a Golden Community

A long-time resident of AHFC's Golden Towers property in Fairbanks, William says he values the relationships he has built with staff members and other residents. 

A Career Working for Alaska

A metallurgical engineer by profession, William’s studies and work took him around the country and the state before he settled in Fairbanks. He completed his Masters degree in Utah, trained in Alabama and lived in Kentucky. William and his wife jumped at the opportunity to move north in 1974 when William was offered a job with the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.

During the early years of the pipeline project, William played an important role in making sure that operations between Prudhoe Bay and Valdez moved forward problem-free.

“I worked for the call scheduling department and our objective was to make sure that no delays were caused by any problems on the line and that everything that was reported to us about the work on the line was verifiable,” he said.

William’s project ended in 1983 and he had the option to move to Saudi Arabia for another project or stay in Alaska. He chose to stay and set up his own company. Alaska has been his home ever since.

Finding a Home at Golden Towers

William lived in Anchorage for a time before deciding to move to Fairbanks. When he arrived, he stayed with a friend who recommended Alaska Housing’s properties. William liked what he saw at Golden Towers and moved into his own apartment there nearly 10 years ago.

Speaking of the Golden Towers community, William said he has gotten to know many of his neighbors and forged close friendships with some. William's fellow residents nicknamed him "The Preacher" because of the Bible studies he leads. More than a building or even a neighborhood, he said it’s a family environment.

“I’ve been given so many things by my neighbors and give things away to others,” William said.

After nearly a decade at Golden Towers, William has seen the property change and evolve. 

Between 2021 and 2022, multiple upgrades were made at Golden Towers including new windows and exterior patio doors, new wall panel wrap and freshly painted decks. 

“All of the facilities are nice and have very nice management," William said.

 In particular, William said he values the “excellent” maintenance crews who look out for residents.

“If you have a problem, you just call the maintenance line. Next thing you know they come to repair whatever damage you may have in your apartment.”

“The building is a community,” William said. “I like it.”

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To learn more about AHFC's rental assistance programs and public housing properties, visit ahfc.us/tenants.