Our History
The Government Hill Commons, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is now in its tenth year of dedicated service. Since its founding, the organization has strived to transform the area into a vibrant, community-centered space for the neighborhood to enjoy. In 2018, nationally renowned Alaskan artist Linda Infante painted a 400-foot mural, infusing the space with new life. Thanks to the support of local organizations and Government Hill residents, the Commons now boasts a flourishing orchard with over 60 fruit trees, four nut trees, and an active beehive. This orchard features well over 50 varieties of heritage and legacy Anchorage apple trees, as well as 10 varieties of pear trees. Additionally, the Commons serves as a nursery for experimental trees from partners like Double Shovel Cider Company and the Alaska Pioneer Growers Association. Through a grant from the Alaska Division of Forestry Community Orchard and Food Forest, four nut trees have recently been added, and the beehive now produces over 60 pounds of honey annually.
The Commons is also a dynamic community events space, hosting a wide range of activities over the years, including Arctic Entries, live music, educational events, and more. Every fall, in collaboration with Government Hill Elementary School, the Commons organizes the annual "Cider Pressing" event, drawing hundreds of school-age children to learn about the orchard. Since 2019, dedicated volunteers have contributed over two thousand hours, playing a crucial role in the Commons' growth and success.
Historically, the site was home to two residential houses and a rundown hotel, all of which were condemned for a bridge construction project that was ultimately halted due to community opposition. Our current project seeks to transform this area into a positive, community-driven space that fosters creativity, sustainability, health, and art.
Our Vision
The Commons offers space for local residents and Alaskan artists to engage in community-driven projects. Located at the entrance of Government Hill, it serves as a focal point for the neighborhood. Once complete, the Commons will be a vibrant space filled with art, nature, and community engagement. It will be a place for friends, neighbors, and visitors to gather and participate in cultural events that foster lasting connections. We're excited to begin work on various projects to make the Commons a year-round community hub. Explore what's in the works!
The Quonset Hut​
A historic Quonset hut on site is planned to be repurposed into a cider house, workshop, and storage shed. The hut will also serve as a classroom for community classes on gardening, food preservation, and other topics of interest to the community. The Quonset is a unique design variant associated with the Aleutian Campaign, most likely transported to the neighborhood from the Whittier military complex after the war in response to the local housing shortage. It is one of the last of these iconic structures still remaining on Government Hill.
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​A Natural Playscape
The community gardens and orchard will be a destination park for residents, especially the children of the neighborhood. Sections of the site will be designed as 'fruiting forests' and 'berry patches' to encourage healthy snacking and awareness of native foods as the seasons change. Benches, picnic tables, gathering spots, and play areas will be available. A moose fence encircling the garden and orchard will feature several decorated entrance gates with bike racks.​
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Sustainable Growing
The garden and orchard will emphasize sustainable organic growing methods and feature vegetables and fruits that thrive in Anchorage's sub-arctic environment, such as root vegetables, hardy greens, raspberries, rhubarb, currants, apples, and cherries. In addition, local ornamental shrubs, including lilac and wild rose, will be planted. Many of these will come from existing neighborhood stocks or vegetation rescued from redevelopment sites in Anchorage.
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Art in the Commons
Art will be incorporated throughout the gardens. Almost 400 linear feet of continuous blank building wall to the east will become an urban mural. A sculpture garden will also be developed. The Alaska Railroad has offered railroad ties for landscaping as well as some historic surplus equipment that could be transformed into art pieces.
Furthering Education
Education will play a key role in how the gardens are used and appreciated by the neighborhood. Initial contact with organizations like the Alaska Pioneers Fruit Growers Association and Agricultural Extension Services indicates an interest in collaboration. Additionally, Government Hill Elementary School and PTA have expressed interest in seasonal tours and workshops for their students. An example lesson plan has been developed.
Coming Soon
The Commons is excited to implement a permanent entrance gate inspired by the image of arched whalebones. Being close to the ocean, whales are an iconic and timeless species for Alaskans, important for Native subsistence and symbolizing healthy northern environments. The entrance will feature a beautiful design of steel whalebones. Additionally, the Commons will soon have brand new fencing surrounding the area.