Over-the-Rhine Partnership Raises Some Roofs Date: May 8, 2000 By: Mary Bridget Reilly Phone: (513) 556-1824 Archive: General News Life has been flowing out of Over-the-Rhine. Once the city's heart and hub with 70,000 residents early in this century, it is now home to less than 9,000. In part, this is because the picturesque 19th century facades frequently front unsafe structures, and because they are unsafe and very expensive to renovate, residents must leave the neighborhood. A partnership between the University of Cincinnati, a local developer, the Franciscan Friars the Women's Research and Development Center of Northside and social service groups active in Over-the-Rhine is changing the picture. The partners will renovate six buildings and construct one new one at the corner of Green and Republic streets to provide 28 apartments for low-income, working families. The new $3-million development, funded by a variety of sources, will be called St. Anthony Village. "We're trying to replace affordable housing that goes off the market in Over-the- Rhine because of its dilapidated condition. These buildings are quite expensive to renovate. That's why Over-the-Rhine's population continues to decline," explained local planning and development consultant Mark Brunner, project manager. The St. Anthony Village team also includes Frank Russell, director of UC's Community Design Center, and architecture students Amy Seek and Jhang Ying who are working together to design the interiors of the renovated structures as well as a communal courtyard with play and sitting areas. According to Russell, renovation of these abandoned buildings has so far included new roofs and the clearing of the courtyard. The next steps will include new plumbing and new electrical systems. With construction of the courtyard and other improvements yet to be made, he estimates that the new residents will be living in St. Anthony Village by January 2002. The project began after the Franciscan Friars headquartered in Over-the-Rhine for the past 140 years needed to expand the editorial offices for their St. Anthony Messenger magazine in addition to expanding their production and warehouse facility which serves their book publishing and video and audio production needs. That expansion at Liberty and Republic streets resulted in the loss of two abandoned buildings. "We needed to expand our production plant, consolidate our facilities. We had to tear down two buildings and so, wanted to give back in the form of providing housing in currently vacant buildings. The property around St. Anthony Messenger was lying fallow. We wanted to see it grow. We had experience in providing housing...I'd been involved, through Tender Mercies, with the housing needs of the mentally ill and the homeless...St. Anthony Village is a further step to building community here," explained Rev. Ed Slater, board member of the St. Francis Low Income Housing Corporation, president of St. Anthony Village, Inc., and pastor of St. Francis Seraph Church in Over-the-Rhine. Others aiding the project are the Cornerstone Loan Fund and social service organizations in Over-the-Rhine. Through Cornerstone, each tenant will enjoy some of the equity-building advantages that homeowners do. Portions of the rent paid by tenants will be reserved in special five-year account. At the end of that time, the tenant will be able to use that money for a down payment on a house, a college education, car or other major need. The Women s Research and Development Center will provide home maintenance and repair training. Other organization in Over-the Rhine will provide support such as money-management, day-care and other family services. In all, the $3-million project will create 6 four-bedroom units, 6 three-bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units, and 8 one-bedroom units. Rents will range from $295 for a one-bedroom unit to $405 for a four-bedroom unit.