The structure is notable for being the residence of nearly the entire population of the city as well as containing many of its public facilities; this has earned Whittier the nickname of "town under one roof".

[1] The area where modern-day Whittier sits was developed during World War II, when it was chosen as the place to build a military harbor and a logistics base for the US Army.

In addition to the residential areas, the building contains the basic services for condo owners and guests: a post office, a general store and a laundromat.

There is also a small Baptist church, two floors of bed and breakfast daily rentals, a conference room, and an indoor playground at the school.

As of 2016[update], funding for repairs relating to maintaining mechanical systems and renovating the façade came with a $3 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.