Here we grow again! We’ve reported to you lately on Episcopal Retirement Services’ efforts to increase the amount of affordable living space available to seniors in Cincinnati and the surrounding Tri-state area.

Now, on the heels of leasing up of our new Affordable Living by ERS community in Walnut Hills, we’ll break ground this month on a brand-new senior apartment community in College Hill: Marlowe Court.

A long journey for ERS and for the City of College Hill

Over the past few decades, the City of College Hill has, like so many Midwest communities, experienced an increase in the number of blighted properties. The 2008 recession certainly didn’t help matters much. In response, the non-profit College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CHCURC) was formed to address the city’s challenges and assist in revitalizing the community.

In April 2009, CHCURC was awarded $1.5 million grant to purchase blighted property in the middle of College Hill’s business district. CHCURC purchased four rundown buildings that stood contiguous to two other blighted properties the city had earlier bought.

In 2013, demolition began on the six-property land parcel at the intersection of Marlowe and Hamilton Avenue. Then, in 2014, CHCURC and the City of College Hill acquired five additional, adjacent properties — making just over 2.5 acres available for redevelopment and revitalization in the city’s downtown area.

Shortly thereafter, CHCURC contacted ERS and The Model Group about partnering on a project to build a mixed-use development, including 53 affordable living apartments for seniors, on the site.

That development is Marlowe Court. In addition to affordable senior housing, it will include new retail spaces on the first floor. You can click here to see the preliminary designs.

Curious about Marlowe Court? Come to the groundbreaking ceremony!

ERS, CHCURC, College Hill and The Model Group will co-host a groundbreaking ceremony for the new senior apartment community next Monday, July 11, at 1:15 p.m. You’re cordially invited to attend.

The event will take place on the site, 1610 Marlowe Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45224. Click here to find the location on Google Maps.

We’ll provide light refreshments at the event. For more information, or to RSVP, please call 513-979-2551.

When Marlowe Court will be ready for occupancy

After the groundbreaking, construction is expected to take about 14 months. We have strong hopes of being able to unveil and open Marlowe Court to new residents in late 2017.

In the meantime, we have other affordable living spaces in other Cincinnati neighborhoods. And, as you can see here, we continue to add spaces in other communities in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

“Part of our obligation is to fulfill growing community needs, and clearly this is a growing need,” said ERS President and CEO Doug Spitler. “With our development expertise, our knowledge and service for older adults, [Affordable Living] is a good fit for us to extend our mission and serve this growing population.”

Affordable Living by ERS communities are specifically configured for seniors’ needs. They’re priced to meet limited or fixed-income budgets. And senior residents can get immediate help when they have needs.

For example, each Affordable Living by ERS apartment community features regular wellness visits by a Registered Nurse. Each has a dedicated, on-site staff ready and able to help residents.

“It’s really important that we provide services so that residents can live here as long as possible,” said Kathy Ison-Lind, ERS’ Vice President of Affordable Housing and In-Home Services.

Where will we grow next?

On Monday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m., we’ll cut the ribbon to officially dedicate our newest Affordable Living by ERS apartment development: Walnut Court, in Cincinnati’s rejuvenated Walnut Hills neighborhood.

If you or your loved one is a senior living on a limited or fixed income in Cincinnati, or in the larger Tristate area, and you are searching for an apartment or retirement community within your means, please call us at 513-271-9610, or click here to email us and get more information about Affordable Living by ERS.

We’d love a chance to speak with you. Let us help you and your loved ones find the right solution for your affordable, independent senior living needs.