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Oct. 23, 2024                                                                           

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Groundbreaking ceremony kicks off construction of Toledo’s

‘transformative’ $29 million Collingwood Green V housing development

The new project will create 75 one-bedroom apartments that serve seniors aged 62 and over

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Lucas County’s 60-plus population is growing fast, but 85-plus and older is increasing more

TOLEDO, Ohio — “Full steam ahead, Toledo.”

That was the message delivered today by Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz during a news conference and groundbreaking ceremony with federal, state and local leaders to mark the start of construction on Collingwood Green V, a $29 million, 75-apartment community that will increase affordable housing opportunities for residents aged 62-plus in the northwest Ohio region that has prioritized the need for building more senior housing.

A currently pristine lot that was previously blighted for years on the northeast corner of Division Street and Nebraska Avenue just west of the city’s downtown, the eagerly anticipated Collingwood Green V project is touted as another major step forward in the continuing revitalization of the Junction Neighborhood, one of Toledo’s oldest enclaves.

“I’m here today to deliver a message on behalf of the Junction Neighborhood residents who are excited to welcome the kickoff of this new transformative addition to their community: Full steam ahead,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “Investing in senior housing, such as Collingwood Phase V, goes beyond improving in dividual lives — it strengthens the entire Toledo community,” he said. “These types of high-quality developments attract essential services and businesses that cater to seniors, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive together.”

The mayor was joined at the groundbreaking ceremony that attracted a standing-room-only crowd by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio’s 9th District; Lucas County Commissioners Pete Gerken, Anita Lopez and Lisa A. Sobecki; Toledo Housing and Community Development Director Rosalyn Clemens; Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) President and CEO Senghor Manns; LMH Board Chair Alisha Gant; National Church Residences Vice President of Housing Development Amy J. Rosenthal; Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio Immediate Past Board Chair Bill Harris; Erica Krause, northwest Ohio regional representative for U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio; National Affordable Housing Trust Underwriter Jarrett Jordan; and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Cleveland Field Office Director Brian Murray.

The City of Toledo and Lucas County are partnering with Lucas Metropolitan Housing, the nonprofit National Church Residences and builder Rudolph Libbe Groupto lead the project, which is supported by $3 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the City of Toledo for the construction, as well as roughly $3.7 million in ARPA funds allocated by the Lucas County Board of Commissioners.

The Collingwood Green V development highlights an ambitious slate of construction projects LMH has introduced that totals more than $92 million over the next two years as part of an innovative strategy to offer more affordable housing options to Lucas County families, people with disabilities and especially the elderly who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising rental home prices.

“The need for affordable housing is especially critical for seniors in Lucas County because our elderly population is significantly increasing and is projected to grow for the foreseeable future,” LMH’s Manns said.

“Our aim with Collingwood Green V is to promote healthy aging by offering rents that are reasonably priced to lower-income older adults and allowing them to have money left each month to pay for other life necessities,” said Manns. “Providing affordable housing can help seniors free up resources to spend on other essential needs, like health care and food.”

Collingwood Green V is the next phase of Lucas Metropolitan Housing’s heralded Collingwood Green community, a strategically planned neighborhood with abundant green space and hundreds of existing units of quality affordable housing.

The new development will consist of 75 one-bedroom units. Of the 75-unit total, 30 apartments will serve older adults at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI), or approximately $30,400. Of the remaining 45 units, 28 will be restricted to older adults at or below 70% of the AMI, and 17 will be restricted to older adults at or below 60% of the AMI. Under the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s Income Averaging set-aside, the project can serve older adults up to 80% of the AMI, or $48,650.

Lucas County’s 60-plus population is growing fast, but the 85-plus and older demographic is increasing even more, according to the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio. Roughly 1 in 4 Toledo residents — 64,000 people, or 24% of the city’s population — is age 60 or older, U.S. census data shows. 

“Toledo is undergoing a large demographic transformation, with our senior population — especially those aged 85 and older — climbing at an unprecedented rate,” Harris said.

Said Congresswoman Kaptur: “By investing in projects like Collingwood Green V, we are ensuring that this vibrant demographic has access to safe and affordable housing that meets their evolving needs.”

Studies show safe and stable housing can reduce stress and improve physical and mental health outcomes. Research by the National Institutes of Health shows that affordable housing for seniors can lead to lower hospitalization rates and annual health care cost savings of $1,300 per person.

“To be impactful comprehensively, I wholeheartedly believe that LMH’s efforts must include creating ways that help our seniors to live and age with dignity, respect and without fear for their safety,” Gant said. “I’m confident Collingwood Green V will achieve and surpass that standard.”

The four overall previous phases of Collingwood Green development spearheaded by LMH have been 15 years in the making, and all properties combined total more than $80 million. The reinvigorated Collingwood Green neighborhood replaced the formerly blighted Brand Whitlock and Albertus Brown Homes sites.

“Collingwood Green Phase V is more than just a building; it’s a commitment to our seniors — a promise that we honor their legacy and ensure they live with dignity and respect,” said Clemens.

“By investing in quality housing that supports both their physical and mental well-being, we are taking a vital step toward a stronger Toledo for everyone,” Clemens added. “Together, we have the power to foster community, connection and compassion, proving that in caring for our seniors, we strengthen the fabric of Toledo.”

When construction is completed and upon the grand opening anticipated in 2026, Collingwood Green V will be the next accomplishment in a community that has been truly transformative for Toledo’s Junction Neighborhood.

Collingwood Green V will allow vulnerable older adults to age in place in a service-enriched, dignified independent living community on a 20-acre site bounded by Nebraska Avenue, Division Street, Indiana Avenue and I-75 near downtown Toledo.

“Affordable housing options like Collingwood Green V play a crucial role in preventing homelessness among Ohio’s most vulnerable seniors,” Murray said. “By addressing their unique needs, we are standing up for those at risk of losing their homes due to financial challenges, ensuring that everyone in our community has a place to call home.”

The new complex is expected to serve as a hub for social, educational and community engagement, bringing Collingwood Green V and surrounding neighborhood residents together in meaningful ways. With amenities like a fitness center, media room and versatile common areas, the new building is designed to enhance mental health and elevate the overall quality of life for its residents.

“This project is dedicated to creating quality housing that nurtures both the physical and mental health of our seniors,” said Lopez.

“With its thoughtful design prioritizing safety and accessibility, this development aims to reduce the risk of falls and health complications,” said Sobecki.

“By focusing on the well-being of our residents, Collingwood V promises to be a supportive and enriching community for our older adults,” Gerken said.

In addition to the city and county ARPA funding, Collingwood Green Phase V has received a $5.7 million Section 202 Capital Advance award from HUD. These financing sources will be combined with noncompetitive 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, which will be syndicated by the National Affordable Housing Trust, the equity provider. Construction and permanent financing for the project is being provided by KeyBank.  

“This new development represents a collaborative effort to provide critically needed affordable housing for older adults in Toledo,” Rosenthal said. “On behalf of all our partners and National Church Residences, we thank Toledo for allowing us to be part of this celebration.”

Unveiled earlier this year, LMH’s five-year plan — “Strategic Action Blueprint: Building for the Future 2024–2028”— identifies its vision for revitalizing Toledo’s economically distressed communities and bringing more affordable housing options to the marketplace. 

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