Matt Loges Joins Wallick Communities as Executive Director of The Ashford at Sturbridge

We are pleased to announce that Matt Loges has accepted the position of Executive Director for The Ashford at Sturbridge. He will oversee the daily operations at Wallick’s fifth assisted living community, which will be completed later this year.

Matt has 18 years’ worth of experience in long-term care and is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. While the Ashford at Sturbridge is under construction, Matt will be headquartered at the nearby senior apartment community, Sturbridge Green.

A graduate of the University of Phoenix, Matt received a Master of Business Administration. In addition to healthcare, Matt also has an interest in real estate and is currently rehabbing two properties, something Wallick might also know a thing or two about!

Congressman Bill Johnson Visits Wallick’s Corporate Office

After passing up his visit in January due to delays in the spending bill, Congressman Bill Johnson made good on his promise to tour Wallick Communities’ new corporate office last week. A solid supporter of affordable housing, Congressman Johnson represents Ohio’s 6th District in which five of Wallick’s affordable apartment communities are located:

  • Lawrence Village- 70 units
  • Lawrence Manor- 58 units
  • Cambridge Village- 60 units
  • Cambridge Commons- 40 units
  • Berwick Apartments- 49 units

Wallick Communities and Congressman Johnson have built a good relationship over the past few years, ever since Congressman Johnson visited the newly renovated Lawrence Village in 2014. On Friday afternoon, Congressman Johnson toured the company’s headquarters and sat down with CEO Tom Feusse as well as Wallick’s development team to discuss Wallick’s future affordable housing projects.

Before departing, Congressman Johnson praised Wallick’s work in the affordable housing industry and held a Q&A session for the entire corporate office, where he answered some of the industry’s –and country’s– most pressing questions.

Batavia Village Named OHFA’s Featured Property of the Month

In March, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) selected Batavia Village Apartments to be its featured property of the month. Batavia Village has served low-income families in Clermont County, OH for the past 37 years. Last fall, the community wrapped up a 4% tax credit rehabilitation on its nine apartment buildings.

Residents at Batavia Village are enjoying a number of upgrades to their homes, including all new kitchens and bathrooms.  In addition, the community building has been expanded to allow for more community activities and on-site resident services.

Wallick has also recently requested 9% Low-income Housing Tax Credits from OHFA to develop three brand-new affordable communities in Ohio: Silver Leaf Senior Apartments (44 units, Maple Heights, OH), Daines Village Apartments (48 units, London, OH) and Stroh Village Apartments (46 units, Wapakoneta, OH).

Sarah Malone Joins Wallick Communities as SVP of Asset Management

Meet Sarah, our new Senior Vice President of Asset Management. She is responsible for ensuring all company-owned communities are performing financially and generating a return on investment.

Sarah joins Wallick Communities after spending 10 years at Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH), first as Vice President of Fund Management then as Director of Fund Management. In her previous position, Sarah oversaw the day-to-day activities of LIHTC asset underwriting including the approval process, construction management and closing. She also worked closely with investors on proprietary fund investments.

Sarah holds a board seat on YWCA of Columbus and received a bachelor’s in business administration and marketing from Ashland University as well as an MBA from Capital University. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, attending music events and reading bestsellers for her book club.

Wallick Adds Final Touches to New Corporate Office

With the creative expertise of ExhibitPro, a full-service exhibit company based in New Albany, Ohio, Wallick was able to incorporate several new branded elements in its corporate office.

Wallick’s Affordable Housing Communities Receive Makeovers

This summer, Wallick celebrated the grand re-openings of three affordable communities, all achieved under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program:

  • Georgetown Senior Apartments – 64 units, Delaware, OH
  • Echo Hill – 40 units, Vanceburg, KY
  • Cutter Apartments – 40 units, Cincinnati, OH

These communities underwent major improvements including brand new kitchens and bathrooms, new windows and roofs, enhancements to their exteriors and interiors and energy savings enhancements.

Additional communities currently being renovated, also under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, include:

  • Cypress Commons – 44 units, Middletown, OH
  • Bedford Village – 40 units, Bedford, KY
  • Locust Ridge – 72 units, Dry Ridge, KY
  • Highpoint – 44 units, Ludlow, KY

These communities are expected to be complete by summer of this year.

Wallick Featured in Two Leading Industry Publications

Wallick Communities was pleased to be recognized by Tax Credit Advisor and Affordable Housing Finance this year.

The Ashford on Broad, Wallick’s first affordable assisted living community, was featured on the cover of Tax Credit Advisors’ September issue. The case study “Affordable and Assisted with a Wow Factor” explored the increasing demand for assisted living services and how Wallick is working to meet that need, through the development of The Ashfords, at a cost that is affordable for seniors of all incomes.

The Ashford on Broad and The Ashford of Mt. Washington were also the topic of Affordable Housing Finance’s online article, “Wallick Works on Affordable Assisted-Living Model”.

Wallick Associates Focus on Giving Back

With several communities in development and others coming on-line, this past summer was a busy one for Wallick. However, Wallick associates still found time to volunteer, serving those living in substandard conditions, near and far.

In June, Wallick sent a team of associates and their families – 52 strong – to Ensenada, Mexico. For an entire week, these individuals worked side-by-side with five families that previously lived in deplorable conditions, building each family a new house. See their life changing experience unfold here.

Throughout the summer nearly 60 other Wallick associates volunteered to build houses for those in need, however, this time it was in their own backyard. Through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, teams of associates worked in Columbus and Cincinnati building houses for families eagerly awaiting a place to call home. Catch a glimpse of their experience here.

Wallick Expands to New Territories

In 2017, Wallick acquired over 600 new affordable apartments, expanding into Wisconsin and West Virginia, and growing its portfolio in Indiana. New communities include:

Wallick is currently in the closing process of three other acquisitions in Wisconsin and Ohio.

Wallick’s Innovation of Affordable Senior Living Continues

What was once just a concept, has now become reality. In 2017 Wallick celebrated the grand openings of its first two affordable assisted living communities, The Ashford on Broad and The Ashford of Mt. Washington. In October, Wallick broke ground on its third affordable assisted living community, The Ashford at Sturbridge. Additional communities are being planned in Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, Akron and Indianapolis.

Affordable assisted living is merely one opportunity within the realm of senior living that Wallick has turned its focus toward. In May, The company broke ground on its second memory care community, The Grove at Oakleaf Village of Columbus. Premarketing of The Grove is now underway as the community is expected to open in July 2018.

Wallick Welcomes Jenni Yeagley, Regional Vice President

Jenni Yeagley, our new regional vice president, has officially started her position at Wallick Communities. In this role, she’ll oversee the entire western region, which includes communities in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Dayton, Ohio.

We’re excited to have Jenni on our team for she brings 24 years of property management experience. Prior to joining Wallick, she served as regional vice president at Herman & Kittle Properties for 10 years.

Jenni is a Certified Property Manager (CPM), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) as well as a Blended Occupancy Specialist (BOS). She received her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan.

Jenni and her husband, Adam, reside just north of Indianapolis with their two children, Colton and Chloe. When Jenni’s not reading a good book, she enjoys fishing and boating with her family.

Wallick Attends Ohio Housing Conference

The Ohio Housing Conference has brought together investors, government officials, developers, nonprofits and more for the past 19 years. With over 1,700 professionals in attendance, this year’s Ohio Housing Conference was the largest to date. It was also a significant event for Wallick, which had five associates serve as panelists for the conference’s breakout sessions.

  • Amy Albery—Asset Management is Here to Stay
  • Tim Swiney—Affordable Housing 101
  • Sharon Shaffer—Housing and Health Care: Aging in Place Models
  • Matt Shoemacher—Preservation Roundtable
  • Layne Hurst—Innovative Products You Need to Know About

In the past, CEO Tom Feusse spoke at the event’s opening session and The Ashford on Broad was featured on a mobile tour of Columbus’ east side. During the tour, CSO Sharon Shaffer discussed the remarkable transformation of an outdated hotel into the affordable assisted living community we see today.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Attends Oakleaf Columbus’ Veterans Day Program

With one hand over their heart, nearly 40 residents and guests recited the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Corporal Richard Sims, to commence Oakleaf Columbus’ 4th Annual Veterans Day Program. At this year’s event, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty congressionally recognized 30 Oakleaf residents for their service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

To top off the event, Congresswoman Beatty invited Oakleaf residents to be her special guests at the grand opening of the “National Veterans Memorial and Museum” that’s currently under construction in downtown Columbus.

Wallick Officially Settles in New Albany Office

Wallick has officially moved to the second floor of Market & Main II, an 18,000 SF space located in New Albany, Ohio. Wallick’s new office has many state-of-the-art features including:

  • The Jack L. Wallick Conference Center
  • Sandy’s Place — a 1,000 SF café
  • Collaboration spaces
  • Interactive communication & scheduling technology throughout the entire space

Associates can also take advantage of nearby walking paths, restaurants, shops and parks. Wallick’s new address is 160 W. Main Street, Suite 200, New Albany, Ohio 43054. The company’s email addresses and phone numbers have stayed the same.

Almost 60 Associates Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

From framing to landscaping and everything in-between, almost 60 Wallick associates volunteered to work with Habitat for Humanity this summer. While completing a variety of construction activities, these associates helped create homes for deserving families in need.

Over the course of four work days, volunteers helped with a total of four houses, one in Cincinnati and three in Columbus. Additionally, Wallick Communities donated $6,000 worth of supplies and lumber to Habitat for Humanity.

Before families can settle into their new homes, they must go through a financial review and complete a homeownership class. As of right now, these families live in poor, substandard housing. Therefore, you can imagine how excited they are to transition into a brand-new home.

While gaining some useful construction skills, these associates contributed to the future health and happiness of families in need. This opportunity was made possible by Heart of Service, Wallick’s volunteer committee.

 

Wallick Grows Indiana Portfolio

Recently, Wallick acquired two affordable apartment communities in central Indiana, Sun Valley Townhomes and Brownstone Apartments.

Sun Valley is nestled in Anderson, IN, about 45 minutes northeast of Indianapolis. The community has 80 apartments and serves families through the low-income tax credit program.

Brownstone resides in the city of Indianapolis. The community consists of 95 studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, serving families through the Section 8 program.

“Not only do the acquisitions of Sun Valley and Brownstone expand our Indiana portfolio, they also expand our mission of opening doors to homes, opportunities and hope. We’re thrilled to welcome a new set of residents and associates to the Wallick family,” said Senior Vice President Amy Albery.

The Ashfords Welcome Federal, State & Local Officials to Grand Openings

It’s been a busy month for Wallick as its newest assisted living communities, The Ashford on Broad and The Ashford of Mt. Washington, celebrated grand openings.   

The Ashford on Broad 

Nearly 75 attendees joined Wallick Communities on August, 22 at The Ashford on Broad for a ribbon cutting and open house.

Special guests included:

  • Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio 3rd District
  • Julie Wallick, Principal of Wallick Communities
  • Mayor Kim Maggard, City of Whitehall
  • Tom Feusse, CEO of Wallick Communities
  • Zach Woodruff, City of Whitehall
  • Richard Winslow, Executive Director of The Ashford on Broad
  • Sue Zazon, Huntington Bank
  • Dr. Holly Holtzen, Ohio Housing Finance Agency

Formerly the Ramada Inn, The Ashford on Broad was adaptively transformed into a $10 million assisted living community for seniors of all incomes. It offers a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments with three unique housing options designed around a café, bistro and common areas. When fully occupied, The Ashford on Broad will create 70 full-time jobs within central Ohio.

The Ashford of Mt. Washington 

On August 24, The Ashford of Mt. Washington welcomed nearly 50 guests to its grand opening celebration.

Attendees included:

  • Ken Schroeder, Anderson Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
  • Guy Ford, Ohio Housing Finance Agency
  • Tom Feusse, CEO of Wallick Communities
  • Judy Schlagheck, Anderson Chamber of Commerce, Chair
  • Gay Boyce, Executive Director of The Ashford of Mt. Washington
  • Howard Wallick, Principal of Wallick Communities

Previously a 63,500 SF apartment building, The Ashford of Mt. Washington has been transformed into a $7 million assisted and independent living community for seniors of all incomes. The community offers a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments as well as a café, bistro and common areas. When fully occupied, The Ashford of Mt. Washington will create 70 full-time positions in eastern Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pat Tiberi Speaks at Georgetown Senior Apartments’ Grand Re-Opening

Georgetown Senior Apartments welcomed Congressman Pat Tiberi to its grand re-opening and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 29.

Guests included:

  • Tim Swiney, SVP, Development, Wallick Communities
  • Rochelle Twinning, Executive Director, BRIDGES Community Action Partnership
  • Ferzan Ahmed, Delaware County Administrator
  • Vice Mayor Kent Shafer, City of Delaware, Ohio
  • Tom Homan, City Manager, City of Delaware, Ohio
  • Andrew Brenner, State Representative 67th District
  • Alicia Fannon, Closing Coordinator, City Real Estate Advisors
  • Justin Marshall, Assistant Vice President, Fifth-Third Bank
  • Donna Hyder, Resident, Georgetown Senior Apartments

Originally built in 1977, Georgetown is a two-story congregate building with 50 one-bedroom apartments. In 2015, Wallick was awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for the community’s rehabilitation. Georgetown’s $7.4 million transformation included:

  • All new roof and Energy Star rated vinyl windows
  • New Energy Star split system HVAC
  • All new kitchen counter tops, cabinets and appliances
  • New bathroom fixtures and accessories
  • Upgraded hard surface flooring throughout
  • Remodeled 8 unit to meet UFAS and 504 Standards
  • New resident computer center
  • Newly created Resident Service and Health Care Assessment Offices
  • New security camera system
  • New gazebo, raised garden plots and accessible route
  • Enlarged and enhanced entry vestibule

2017 Jack Wallick Memorial Scholarship Recipients Announced

Every spring, the Jack Wallick Memorial Scholarship program awards several Wallick residents with up to $2,500 each year to cover the cost of college or technical school. This endowment fund was established in memory of Jack Wallick, founder of Wallick Communities, and supports his mission to build a better future for people of all walks of life.

We’re excited to announce that the following residents have been awarded the Jack Wallick Memorial Scholarship for 2017:

  • Aaliyah Anderson, Parkview Estates, University of Illinois at Springfield, Accounting
  • Aleah Cumberbatch, Carriage Hill, Ohio University, AA Transfer Degree
  • Brenda Muyonga, Riverside Commons, Wright State University, Nursing
  • Deanna Parsons, Fair Parks Apartments, Southern State Community College, Applied Arts & Sciences
  • Dennell White, The Meadows, Columbus State Community College, Associates of Social & Human Services
  • Khaila Netters, Parkview Estates, University of Kentucky, Nursing (BSN)
  • Praise Tangbe, Carriage Hill, Ohio University, Public Health

By developing this scholarship program, Wallick is helping residents achieve their dreams and pursue the career they’ve always wanted. It also brings our mission statement of “opening doors to homes, opportunities and hope” to life.

“Ever since I was a small child, I’ve dreamed of attending nursing school. Since being named a recipient of the Jack Wallick Memorial Scholarship, my dream is finally becoming a reality.” 

–Brenda Muyonga, 2017 Jack Wallick Memorial Scholarship Recipient  

Congratulations to our 2017 scholarship recipients. Good luck with your studies!

Wallick Welcomes John Leonard, SVP, Construction

Wallick Communities is pleased to welcome John Leonard, Senior Vice President, Wallick Construction.  In this position, John will be responsible to effectively manage all construction-related projects and activities at Wallick.

Prior to joining Wallick, John was Vice President of the NRP Group, most recently responsible for overseeing construction of NRP’s Affordable Housing projects, which in the last 18 months comprised eight developments totaling $50 million. Prior to that, John oversaw construction for NRP’s Eastern Division, including affordable and market-rate developments, averaging 22 projects annually and more than 60 construction employees.

John has also worked with the Zaremba Group and attended Lakeland College studying business management. John is from Broadview Heights (near Cleveland) and is married with three kids. He is a big Cleveland sports fan and an OSU football fan.

Welcome, John!