COCLT Announces First Multi-family Housing Project and Celebrates 100th New Home
(COLUMBUS) April 11, 2024—The Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT), a subsidiary of COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank, is pleased to announce the completion of its first multi-family housing development. Located on N. 5th Street in Weinland Park, the project includes four duplex units and marks the organization’s 100th affordable home.
In November 2019, the Franklin County Land Bank acquired four land parcels on N. 5th Street. Three parcels were vacant, previously demolished by the Columbus Land Bank. The Franklin County Land Bank demoed the remaining blighted parcel in March 2020, creating an opportunity to add new affordable housing units.
“As we continue to address the housing crisis in our region, affordable housing remains a cornerstone of our efforts to build strong, resilient communities. The completion of Central Ohio Community Land Trust’s first multi-family housing development, marking its 100th affordable home, is a testament to the vital role organizations like these play in ensuring that all residents have access to safe, stable housing,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This milestone underscores the importance of collaborative initiatives and innovative solutions in our ongoing commitment to creating equitable opportunities for every member of our community.”
The COCLT began working with Simmons Corporation in 2023 to develop four newly built duplex homes on the parcels. Simmons Corporation is a leading minority-owned construction firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in urban renovation and new construction. This is COCIC’s first project with Simmons.
“Weinland Park began its revitalization project around 2011-2012 to create a community where diverse people and diverse incomes could work, live and thrive. The new duplexes are significant to Weinland Park because they continue our goals to house people and families who want to purchase homes in an area where their families may have lived for generations, which are beautiful and affordable. We also want to welcome diverse new residents to Weinland Park and make our neighborhood a place they can call home,” stated Tanya Long, President of the Weinland Park Community Civic Association.
“A community land trust operating as a subsidiary of a land bank is unique. However, it’s also tremendously impactful. Through the creation of both entities by the County Commissioners, we’ve created more opportunities for community redevelopment through demolition and the creation of new affordable housing,” said Curtiss L. Williams, Sr., President/CEO of COCIC. “This project in Weinland Park illustrates the benefits of creating multi-income housing opportunities within a community.”
This project also marks another important milestone: the COCLT’s 100th new affordable home. Of these homes, 90% have been purchased by first-time homebuyers, 83% are minority heads of household, and more than half are owned by individuals at 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or below.
“The Columbus Foundation is proud to support COCIC as a key new partner in the legacy of preserving and building affordable housing in Weinland Park,” said Matt Martin, Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation. “As the neighborhood now becomes a proving ground for multifamily housing in the land trust model, these homes demonstrate that affordable units can and should exist alongside market-rate homes to enhance the inclusion and integration in this part of the city.”
About COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank
COCIC is a non-profit organization formed by the Franklin County Commissioners in 2012 to improve the quality of neighborhoods and communities within Franklin County. More information about COCIC can be found at www.cocic.org.
About the Central Ohio Community Land Trust
The Central Ohio Community Land Trust is a subsidiary of COCIC: the Franklin County Land Bank and is committed to creating permanently affordable housing options for working individuals and families throughout Franklin County. Founded in 2018, the COCLT is a catalyst for redevelopment efforts throughout the county. You can learn more about the Central Ohio Community Land Trust at www.coclt.org.
