Guest Post: Adding affordable housing to South Linden
This post was authored by KCG-Ascent Ventures to explain their proposal to add new affordable housing to South Linden and help illuminate the complex processes behind developing new housing in Central Ohio.
In response to the overwhelming demand for affordable housing within Columbus, KCG Ascent Ventures wants to replace an under-utilized, blighted site in the South Linden neighborhood with an affordable housing investment that also features 4,000 square feet of retail space to spur new investment within the community.
The mixed-use project, an estimated $45 million investment, would include approximately 3,800 square feet of community space. Part of the space would house a training facility to provide in-person educational and career placement services for not only residents of the proposed project, but also the larger community.
Through several conversations with the South Linden Area Commission (SLAC), we understood that for this development to be impactful to South Linden residents, we would need a commitment to creating jobs. As requested by the SLAC, we added 4,000 square feet of retail space to the northwest corner of the site, which could employ approximately 10 positions in addition to the four full-time property management jobs that will be advertised to South Linden residents.
In addition, we have incorporated the dedicated Career Training Center with programming to include high school equivalency, paid training opportunities, HVAC apprenticeships, journeyman programs, job fairs, LPN job placement, and wrap-around services. Using the One Linden Plan as a guide, we believe this development will significantly contribute to seven of the “Ten Big Ideas” outlined in the One Linden Plan, including:
- stabilizing & expanding housing options,
- connecting residents to employment, and,
- supporting entrepreneurs & developing business
The proposed Bonham Pointe development will offer 204-units of critical affordable housing; affordable to households making at or below 60% of Area Median Income with rents ranging from $775 to $975.
The 11-acre site, located at 999 Bonham Avenue, is an ideal location for affordable housing, with proximity to several neighborhood amenities including the Linden Transit Center & Bike Share, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), the South Linden Police Substation 5, The Linden Fresh Market, and adjacent to the Rosewind Apartments.
The three-story walk-up design will consist of:
- 60 one-bedroom,
- 120 two-bedroom and
- 24 three-bedroom units
Each unit will feature modern amenities, low-cost (high-speed) internet access, in-unit washer and dryers, and Energy-Star appliances. The property will be built to National Green Building Standards, providing residents reduced utility bills through energy efficiency and smart technology. Bonham Pointe will feature high-quality amenities such as a community room with exercise facility, a lounge, property management offices, as well as outdoor amenities such as a pool, playground, dog-park, and a pavilion for resident enjoyment.
Rezoning for this site is anticipated to be heard by City Council on June 14.
