Littlepage Terrace was originally for white residents, and its sister housing project of Washington Manor was for white and black residents in separate sections. Occupants of the new project were families who had to meet a minimum income level of about $900 to $1,000 per year to qualify for residency. There were maximum income limits also, based on family size. The monthly rents at Littlepage Terrace ranged from $20 for 3 1/2 rooms to $21.25 for 6 rooms. Rents included steam heat, hot and cold water, electricity, and gas for cooking and refrigeration; the stove and refrigerator were also supplied. Although Littlepage Terrace did not actually replace a slum area, its residents were drawn from poverty affected areas in and around Charleston from Kanawha, Putnam and Clay Counties. In contrast to most existing low cost housing at the time, the new housing project offered apartments that were modern and clean, included utilities, had hot and cold water, and provided laundry rooms and play areas.

There were 170 units in the ten apartment buildings at Littlepage Terrace covering approximately eight acres, and each building contained a mix of one, two, and three bedroom units with either private entrances or a shared hallway entrance.. All buildings were three story, multi-colored blonde brick structures of the International style. Regardless of size, each unit had a living room, one bathroom, and a combined kitchen/dining room or kitchen with separate dining room. Buildings had interior bicycle racks and perambulator storage, and those with basements contained central laundry facilities, playrooms, and incinerators. The boiler and maintenance shops were housed together in the basement of one building. Outside there was a playground with a water basin for summer use.