Avondale Revitalization

Cincinnati, Ohio

The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB), a nationally renowned non-profit developer, sought to help the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio energize its renaissance.

Jeff Raser’s planning team worked with TCB, and Xavier University’s Community Building Institute, to create a Transformation Plan for a HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant application. This Transformation Plan explained how physical, urban design improvements throughout the neighborhood could reinforce existing and proposed socio-economic initiatives.  The team was successful and the project was awarded a $29.5 million Choice Neighborhoods grant.

The Raser-led architectural team helped TCB navigate the highly competitive application process to garner Low Income Housing Tax Credits.  The rehabilitations of 8 buildings were designed to comply with many scrutinized standards, as well as with standards for sustainability - as outlined by Enterprise Green Communities - and elements of Universal Design.

The resulting project rehabilitated eight historic apartment buildings, and constructed one new one. The project provided 200 quality affordable housing units in one of Cincinnati’s most disinvested neighborhoods. 

In collaboration with Sullebarger Associates, Raser also helped The Community Builders, Inc. obtain State and Federal Historic Tax Credits for 6 of the 9 buildings.  None of the buildings were eligible for historic tax credits prior to our involvement, so our endeavor to obtain historic tax credits had to start with getting each building nominated for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.