180-unit affordable housing apartments break ground in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, OH State lawmakers and local officials joined The NRP Group, a vertically integrated, best-in-class developer, builder and manager of multifamily housing, and the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, to break ground on a 180-unit fully affordable apartment community in Columbus, Ohio.

In partnership with the City of Columbus Housing Division, the transit-oriented project will be developed with tax-credit funding support from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and Huntington National Bank.

"The Sinclair Apartments are a testament to what Columbus does best: collaboration. Partners have leveraged their resources to build housing our residents can afford, something our growing city desperately needs," said Mayor Ginther.

Located at 5055 Sinclair Avenue, Sinclair Apartments will address the need for high-quality affordable housing for Columbus-area residents earning between 30 and 70 percent of the Area Median Income. Formerly known as Alrosa Villa – the once-heralded live music venue that closed permanently in early 2020 – the site will be transformed into a community of three-building, four-story apartments consisting of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units.

"Columbus is a thriving city that has experienced tremendous growth and development over the years," said J. David Heller, Principal, President and Chief Executive Officer at The NRP Group. "We are thrilled to partner with The City of Columbus Housing Division, The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and The Ohio Financing Agency to help fulfill the ever-present need for inclusive best-in-class housing. By providing affordable options that keep resident experience top-of-mind, working professionals and growing families will have more opportunities to be able to live in the great city of Columbus."

Sinclair Apartments will be conveniently located along an active bus line connecting residents to ample restaurants and retail including Target, Kroger and Saraga International Grocery. Less than two miles from the rapidly growing Clintonville neighborhood and a mere seven miles north of downtown Columbus, the community is a short commute from thousands of job opportunities.

"With a large percentage of families in Franklin County spending nearly half of their income on rent, Sinclair Apartments will provide them with relief while simultaneously allowing for the community to grow and flourish," said Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) President and CEO Charles Hillman.  "The affordable housing crisis can only be solved by public and private institutions working together. We're honored to collaborate with our partners who are committed to addressing this problem with world class housing for all income levels."

In addition to providing high-quality rental options for Columbus-area residents, Sinclair Apartments will improve the streetscape on Sinclair Avenue where Alrosa Villa once stood and is supported by local neighborhood association leaders.

"Access to affordable housing is critically important. As a financial institution, we believe it is our responsibility to support efforts that provide individuals and families with access to stable housing so we can build strong communities," said Sue Zazon, Central Ohio Regional President, Huntington National Bank. "At Huntington, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for our communities and we are proud to work so closely with the City of Columbus, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, and The NRP Group."

Ohio Housing Finance Agency Director of Legal Affairs Guy Ford added: "Sinclair Apartments will provide unprecedented value to the greater Columbus community. It is a privilege to provide support to our partners who are committed to developing housing opportunities that allow for long-term growth and success in the community."

Completion for Sinclair Apartments is scheduled for 2023.