Wallick Breaks Ground on Corners Crossing

On Friday, July 19, Wallick hosted the groundbreaking of Corners Crossing, a new $45 million Workforce Housing apartment community in Traverse City, Michigan.

Wallick is the co-owner, co-developer, general contractor and property manager of Corners Crossing, and local nonprofit Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corporation is the project co-owner and co-developer.

Pictured: Amy Albery, CEO, shares remarks

Wallick’s CEO, Amy Albery, kicked off the afternoon celebration with remarks, followed by several notable guests, including:

Kelly Lively, Northern Michigan Regional Director, Office of U.S. Senator Gary C. Peters

Hon. Betsy Coffia, State Representative, (District 103)

Jonathan Stimson, Executive Director, Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corporation

Brian Jones, Managing Director, Greystone

Nick Florian, Northern Michigan Market President, Huntington National Bank

Alexis Dunfee, SVP of Development, Wallick

Corners Crossing was made possible thanks to the vital community partnerships that propelled its development forward.

  • The design team includes RDL Architects and Crain Engineering.
  • Project partners include Grand Traverse County, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Blair Township, S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Huntington National Bank, Greystone and Sherman Capital Partners and SGL Acquisitions.

Pictured: Wallick, Homestretch and partners break ground on Corners Crossing

Workforce Housing addresses the needs of middle-income families by offering high-quality housing with market-rate amenities at a more affordable price. In Traverse City, rising housing costs and high rents are significant barriers to retaining local talent.

Corners Crossing, Wallick’s first Workforce Housing community, aims to provide safe, stable housing that is affordable for middle-income residents in Traverse City.

The community will feature 192 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units serving families earning 80-120% AMI. There will be eight three-story walk-up buildings consisting of 24 apartments. Amenities include a fitness center, office and computer center, and dog park and playground.

Apartment homes will include:

  • Energy Star-rated appliances
  • A patio or balcony
  • Luxury vinyl flooring

For Traverse City, Corners Crossing represents the power of community collaboration and a commitment to affordability, ensuring that those who work in the community – including nurses, firefighters, and teachers – can call this place home.

For more details about Corners Crossing, click here.

 

Wallick Enters a New Business Market: Workforce Housing

Wallick is excited to announce our entry into Workforce Housing, a housing sector that meets a highly underserved need, as we continue to fulfill our mission of opening doors to homes, opportunities, and hope.

Introduction and Background: What is Workforce Housing?

Workforce Housing lies in between Affordable Housing and Market-Rate Housing on the housing spectrum. This type of housing is crucial in regions burdened by high rent costs and soaring occupancy rates.

Housing costs have significantly increased nationwide. For certain communities (typically urban areas) the rising cost of living, zoning barriers, and insufficient housing availability pose challenges to residents. Middle-income households often find themselves struggling to find or keep suitable housing.

Workforce Housing meets the needs of middle-income families by providing housing that is high-quality and on par with market-rate amenities at a more affordable rate.

The Workforce Housing Gap

Workforce Housing fills a specific gap in the housing market, serving individuals and families with an area median income (AMI) between 80-120%. This is an area often untouched by both affordable and market-rate housing.

  • Affordable Housing typically encompasses those within the 0% to 80% AMI.
  • Market Rate Housing typically ranges from 120% to 160% AMI.

Barriers to developing Workforce Housing include:

  • Increased construction costs
  • High interest rates
  • Availability of programs that incentivize workforce housing development and help fill financial gaps
  • Maintaining rents between 80%-120% AMI

Reliant on complex financing, Workforce Housing requires a high level of creativity and commitment from public and private funding sources working together to prioritize these projects.

Introducing Corners Crossing, Traverse City’s Newest Workforce Housing Community

We are thrilled to introduce Corners Crossing, Wallick’s inaugural Workforce Housing development. Corners Crossing will be a 192-unit community in Traverse City, Michigan. The financing for Corners Crossing officially closed on Friday, June 28, 2024.

In 2022, initial development efforts for Corners Crossing began which resulted in securing support from key project partners:

  • Grand Traverse County awarded Wallick $1.5 million at the close of 2022 before the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA) missing middle funds became available.
  • Blair Township granted Wallick a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), ensuring real estate taxes for Corners Crossing will never exceed 6% of revenue. This controls our real estate tax payments, so they are more predictable, allowing us to better manage expense loads.
  • Wallick partnered with HomeStretch Nonprofit Housing Corp., a like-minded, mission-driven nonprofit developer local to the Traverse City community.

These initial efforts allowed Wallick to then apply to MSHDA for funding made possible through the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) federal stimulus program. In July 2023, Wallick was awarded $5 million to finance Corners Crossing’s construction through these aptly named “missing middle” dollars that MSHDA distributed to planned Workforce Housing projects throughout the state of Michigan.

Additional project financing partners include the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Greystone, and Huntington.

Rendering of Corners Crossing: Clubhouse Aerial View

Rendering of Corners Crossing: Walk-Up Perspective

Michael DiCarlantonio, Vice President of Development, and John Marra, Senior Development Manager, took the lead in Wallick’s application for these highly competitive funds, resulting in Wallick receiving one of the highest dollar awards among all applicants. Notably, Wallick was the sole out-of-state applicant to receive Grand Traverse County’s ARPA dollars.

Wallick’s entry into Workforce Housing coincided with our first construction in the Traverse City area, Meadow Valley. In 2018, we began development on Meadow Valley. During the pandemic, a need arose to collaborate with Grand Traverse County’s Board of Commissioners to leverage municipal bonds for the funding of the project. It was through this process that the Development Team learned of Grand Traverse County’s urgent need for affordable multifamily housing.

Traverse City, known for its tourism, has struggled to keep its workforce locally due to the high housing costs and elevated rents. With occupancy rates rising to 100%, it’s one of the Midwest’s most expensive markets.

By staying engaged with Grand Traverse County and recognizing the demand for affordable multifamily housing, Wallick was prepared to be a creative part of the solution when the county directed its resources toward making Workforce Housing a primary funding focus.

We congratulate Michael and John for successfully securing the funding resources to make Corners Crossing a reality. This community fulfills high demand, allowing middle-income families who work in Traverse City to live within the community.

“Wallick has always been a provider of attainable housing for all and is responding to the housing crisis facing our middle-income families with our foundation of experience in finding creative and complex financing solutions to make it happen,” says Alexis Dunfee, Senior Vice President of Development at Wallick Communities.

Wallick’s Future with Workforce Housing

For years, Wallick has strategically focused on the Central Ohio region and now with continued pressure on the housing market and the arrival of Intel, there is an incredibly pressing need for new Workforce Housing projects. In tandem with current projects, Wallick has actively championed local Workforce Housing solutions. Key members of our team have collaborated with like-minded community leaders, testified before state committees, and established vital relationships with government bodies to secure funding and support for these crucial projects.

Most recently, Wallick’s Central Park project, a mixed-use development in Heath, OH, was one of 15 developments awarded $4.1 million from a highly competitive pool of state tax credits for Ohio’s Transformational Mixed-Use Development (TMUD) Program. Wallick is developing 47 acres of this 300-acre site for workforce housing.

Central Park aims to invigorate the City of Heath with a new downtown area consisting of 42,000 square feet of commercial retail space expected to be occupied by shops, offices, restaurants and breweries, along with walking trails and a community pool. Phase II of the development entails the construction of over 580,000 square feet among 24 buildings, including 21 multifamily workforce housing buildings, along with two restaurants and an assisted living community.

Looking ahead, Workforce Housing is highly individualized to a community, and there is no one-size-fits-all project formula. The ARPA dollars secured for Corners Crossing were limited funds specifically designed to meet the needs within the State of Michigan and Traverse City, as were the Ohio Department of Development’s Transformational Mixed-Use Development tax credits. A localized, collaborative approach will continue to be needed for any future Workforce Housing endeavors.

Nonetheless, our core values of genuine care, character and collaboration extend to the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing to provide safe and secure housing for the families who need it most through our Workforce Housing efforts.

Wallick Senior Living Featured on NBC4’s Daytime Columbus

“In making a transition to a community like one of ours, you’re surrounded by people, you’re surrounded by activities, you’re surrounded by possibilities.”

Wallick Senior Living was featured on Daytime Columbus! Check out the full interview here, where Adam Squires, Regional VP of Sales, and Kimberly Gibson, Executive Director of The Ashford at Sturbridge, shed light on the genuine wellness and mission-focused aspects of our communities.

Wallick Celebrates the Groundbreaking of Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village

On Wednesday, June 19, Wallick joined in celebrating Juneteenth through the groundbreaking of Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village, a new affordable senior apartment community in Detroit, Michigan.

Wallick is the co-developer and co-owner of the community in partnership with Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM).

Pictured: Amy Albery, Wallick Communities CEO

Wallick’s CEO, Amy Albery, shared remarks alongside community partners, project advocates, and notable guests, including:

  • Reverend Christian Adams
  • Roger Myers, CEO, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan
  • Regina Weiss, Michigan State Representative (District-6)
  • Mallory McMorrow, Michigan State Senator (District-8)
  • Joe Tate, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives
  • Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Congresswoman (MI-12)
  • Julie Schneider, Housing Director, City of Detroit
  • Mike Duggan, Mayor City of Detroit
  • Amy Hovey, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, MSHDA
  • Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
  • Violet Ponders, Granddaughter of Dr. Violet T. Lewis, speaking on
  • behalf of the family
  • Dell Edwards, brand unveiling for the Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village
  • Ken Hollowell, Vice Chair, PVM Board of Directors
  • Julie Sharp, Executive Vice President, Merchants Capital
  • Angela Kemp, Principal, Schulze Academy
  • Michael Wallace, 8th Grade Student, Schulze Academy
  • Reverend Sandra Rose, President, WVTC Detroit, Lewis College of Business alum

Pictured: Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Over 150 people attended the groundbreaking event. Guests included family of Dr. Violet T. Lewis and her sorority, Gamma Phi Delta. Dr. Lewis’ granddaughter, Dr. Violet Ponders, Mrs. Dell Edwards, and Michael Wallace, 8th grade student at the adjacent Schulze Academy, unveiled the new branded logo for the community.

 

Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village will be located on the site of the former Lewis College of Business, Michigan’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU), preserving the legacy of Dr. Lewis in a community strengthened by her commitment to empowerment through education. The community will feature 105 units, with a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. There will be two rehabilitated buildings (including the former college itself) with 32 units and a new, four-story building with 73 units.

This $29.3 million development was made possible through the vital partnership of Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the City of Detroit, The Kresge Foundation, Merchants Capital Security Bank, First Merchants Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, RDL Architects and Giffels Webster.

Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village features a range of amenities, including a fitness area, community space, on-site property management and computer space.

Apartment homes will include:

  • Energy Star-rated appliances and ceiling fans
  • Window treatments
  • A patio or balcony

Project rendering of Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village

A resounding theme throughout the development process echoed during yesterday’s event was the power of creating community change together. Wallick looks forward to Opening Doors to Homes, Opportunities and Hope for incoming residents while honoring the incredible history of Dr. Lewis and the Lewis College of Business.

For more details about the event, visit the City of Detroit’s website.

Event speakers (listed above) officially break ground on Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village.

Wallick Participates in 2024 Columbus Pride

Last Saturday, Wallick and our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Committee proudly participated in the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March, alongside 20,000 marchers and approximately 300 groups.

This year’s theme, “Live Out Loud,” resonates deeply with Wallick’s core values of genuine care, character and collaboration. We celebrate our associates and encourage them to bring their authentic selves to their work every day, supporting the vibrant communities we serve.

Below are some highlights from our participation in the event:

Stow Kent Gardens Redevelopment Awarded $20 Million in Tax Credits

Wallick is thrilled to announce that we have received a 9% housing tax credit award from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) for the substantial renovation of Stow Kent Gardens, which was originally built in 1983.

This $20 million redevelopment will renovate 85 units for our senior and family residents in Stow, Summit County, OH, and preserve its affordability for an additional 30 years.

Wallick would like to thank OHFA, Dimit Architects and all of our project partners for their efforts in expanding our mission of “Opening doors to homes, opportunities and hope.”

We look forward to this transformation for our residents!

Wallick Celebrates The Ashford of Beavercreek Grand Opening

On Wednesday, June 5, Wallick hosted a Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration at The Ashford of Beavercreek, our newest senior living community located in Beavercreek, OH.

The Ashford of Beavercreek is an independent living, assisted living, and memory care community for seniors of all incomes.

Since opening its doors in January, the community has been met with tremendous enthusiasm. Today, over 50% of the building’s 114 units are already occupied by residents thrilled to call The Ashford their new home.

Pictured: Attendees gather before the event program begins.

The morning program featured remarks from guests and Wallick leadership, including:

  • Mayor Don Adams, City of Beavercreek
  • Rabbi Mangel, Chabad of Greater Dayton
  • Amy Albery, Chief Executive Officer
  • Julie Wallick, Wallick Board of Directors
  • Stephanie Hess, Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing Operations

Mayor Don Adams spoke to the community impact and excitement that The Ashford of Beavercreek has brought and will continue to bring to the area.

This $31 million project was made possible with the support of key partners, including RDL Architects and financing partners, WesBanco and Ohio Housing Finance Agency.

The Ashford of Beavercreek is comprised of three stories dedicated to independent and assisted living, and a single-story memory care neighborhood serving over 120 residents. Shared community areas in the building include small group seating areas, activity rooms, a fitness center, a beauty salon and barbershop, an art studio, formal and private dining rooms, and a bistro that has a dual-purpose area for happy hours and informal resident socializing.

When fully occupied, the community will offer over 100 employment opportunities in Beavercreek that include nurses, personal care assistants, maintenance techs, housekeepers, cooks, and marketing and administrative staff.

Ashford residents joined in cutting the ribbon to their new home. This was followed by an afternoon Open House featuring live music and tours of the building.

As we continue to welcome new residents to The Ashford of Beavercreek, we remain grateful for the support we have received and look forward to serving this community for many years.

From left: Amy Albery, Rabbi Mangel, Julie Wallick, residents of The Ashford of Beavercreek, Mayor Don Adams, and Stephanie Hess.

Amy Albery, CEO, Named in Columbus Business First’s Power 125

We’re excited to share that Wallick’s CEO, Amy Albery, has been named one of Columbus Business First’s Power 125 in recognition of her leadership in expanding Wallick’s footprint and continued advocacy in the affordable housing space!

Congratulations to Amy and all Wallick associates who demonstrate genuine care, character and collaboration every day, working to provide safe, quality housing for families, seniors, and individuals across the region.

Read more here.

Heath Town Center Buildings Expected to Open in 2026

Joyce Peoples Honored in Columbus Business First’s HR Impact Awards

We are thrilled to share that Joyce Peoples, Wallick’s Director of Associate Relations, has been named an honoree through Columbus Business First’s HR Impact Awards!

For over 21 years, Joyce’s foundational contributions to the company’s Human Resources department and genuine care for people have built, preserved, and invigorated Wallick’s culture.

Some of her accomplishments include founding Wallick’s inaugural Learning Event, launching the company’s first New Associate Orientation, leading the creation of a recruitment and hiring process for the company, and revolutionizing Wallick’s workers’ compensation program.

“When you say ‘Wallick,’ ‘Wallick’ is equivalent to Joyce. Joyce is such an integral part of Wallick, and Wallick is such a part of her, it’s hard to tell where the two meet and end. Joyce really is the founding member of the Human Resources department at Wallick.” – Bryan Lenzo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources

A crowning achievement for Joyce is her recent implementation and oversight of a new system called HR Acuity, a company game-changer that has positively impacted retention, reduced turnover, and saved valuable resources.

For Joyce, Human Resources is synonymous with being human. She balances the traits of professionalism and authenticity to not only influence company policies but also positively impact thousands of associates who have been fortunate enough to call her a colleague.

Read Joyce’s featured profile here.

Congratulations, Joyce!

Amy Albery, CEO, Shares Insights One Year Since Ownership Change

Wallick Welcomes Elizabeth Bluhm & Erin Shvetzoff Hennessey to Board of Directors

Wallick Communities is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Bluhm and Erin Shvetzoff Hennessey to our Board of Directors.

In their new roles as Board Members and experts in the respective fields of affordable housing and senior living, Ms. Bluhm and Ms. Hennessey will advise the senior management team on organizational strategies to help the company meet its goals and objectives.

Elizabeth Bluhm holds 30 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, first on the financial side and, more recently, as a developer. Beginning her career on the financial trading floors of New York City, she eventually headed the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) equity business of Red Capital Group, a national multifamily lender, investor and syndicator, from 1994 to 2001.

Fittingly, Bluhm’s initial experience as an equity investor for LIHTC was with Wallick, and she collaborated with the company on its own first LIHTC deal. Bluhm quickly developed a passion for affordable housing.

“What has kept me in the business of affordable housing for the last 30 years,” she says, “is that I can see the difference it makes in people’s lives. Every grand opening you go to, you witness people whose lives have been transformed by having a clean, safe, secure place to live. Nothing has been more rewarding than that. And I think that’s exactly what Wallick is setting out to do. It fits perfectly into my notion of what value I can add to the world.”

In 2001, Bluhm opened Red Capital’s San Diego office, offering debt and equity products for affordable and market-rate multifamily projects throughout California, and headed that office until 2010.

Before her years with Red Capital, she was employed by Credit Suisse First Boston in institutional sales in New York and Los Angeles, specializing in municipal bonds. In 2018, she became a project manager and then Development Director at Wakeland Housing and Development, a nonprofit affordable housing developer in San Diego, managing the development and construction of affordable housing projects in Southern California before retiring in 2020.

Ms. Bluhm served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the California Housing Consortium in 2008-2009 and Chair of the Board of Directors of Wakeland Housing from 2015 through 2017.

Bluhm resides in San Diego, CA. Outside of work, she loves travel, French culture, photography and spending time with her four kids and three grandkids. She holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Scripps College and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Erin Shvetzoff Hennessey is a certified gerontologist with 20 years of experience in senior health care. As chief executive officer and principal of Health Dimensions Group, she advises post-acute care providers on operational performance, financial improvement and development of health care strategies.

Hennessey has been connected to the senior care industry since childhood, with her father serving as a nursing home administrator, and her mother volunteering at the same facility. Sharing her parents’ passion, she entered the senior living industry in 1998 as a dietary aid.

Over the past two decades, she has worked in various areas of the industry, including marketing, activities and as an executive and regional director. Beyond her executive role, Hennessey brings hands-on experience as an administrator and senior leader in skilled nursing and senior living facilities across many states.

Hennessey aligns with Wallick’s genuine commitment to embodying the company’s core values through its dedication to associates and the resident experience. She looks forward to impacting residents’ well-being from her position on the Board of Directors.

“We live in a culture that doesn’t always honor age. I’ve been able to see the connection between providing care for great places to live and taking great care of people,” she says. “I would love to see senior living communities become a location of choice for living, for care, for employment in their markets, and as a go-to place to be an associate and a resident.”

Ms. Hennessey was named a 2019 Senior Living Leader Under 40 by Argentum, a national senior living association. She has been named to the LeadingAge Minnesota board of directors and was chosen as a 2021 Women in Business honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Most recently, she was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top Women Leaders in Healthcare for 2023.

A Minneapolis native, Hennessey enjoys skiing, traveling, and dog rescuing with her husband and daughter. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration and legal studies from the University of St. Thomas and an M.A. in Gerontology from Bethel University.

“I’m thrilled to have Erin and Elizabeth join our board,” says Amy Albery, Chief Executive Officer. “They will bring fresh energy, experience and ideas to the board, to me and to Wallick’s leadership team.”

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Bluhm and Ms. Hennessey to Wallick.

Wallick Communities Hires Derrick Young as Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing Operations

New Albany, OH – Wallick Communities is pleased to welcome Derrick Young as the Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing Operations, effective February 21. 

Hailing from Oakland, California, Derrick brings a wealth of leadership experience in the affordable housing and senior living industries, with numerous areas of expertise, including mission-driven mentorship and people leadership, operations management and strategic planning. 

In his new role, Derrick will lead our affordable housing operations team’s efforts to support residents and associates while maintaining compliance, occupancy standards and optimal operating performance for our portfolio of 200+ communities. 

Previously, Derrick served as Vice President of Property Management at MidPen Housing, one of the nation’s leading non-profit affordable development and management companies, where he was responsible for guiding daily operations of the company’s largest division and oversaw an affordable housing portfolio spanning 9,600 apartment homes across 125 communities.  

His career highlights also include various leadership roles overseeing a mixed portfolio of senior housing communities for Christian Church Homes and serving as Executive Director with Elder Care Alliance.  

Derrick’s leadership philosophy centers on people-first principles, emphasizing trust, authenticity, and congruency. As highlighted in his own words: “There’s nothing better than being around a group of people who take pride and share in their joy in being committed to the honorable profession of affordable housing.” 

Derrick’s unique background in both affordable housing and senior living informs his approach to managing people, communities and the resident experience. For him, both industries converge on the principles of care and compassion. He sees himself amplifying the company’s culture by “uplifting Wallick’s values and supporting people every minute of every day.” 

Derrick holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco and a Certified Property Manager (CPM) accreditation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), the premier property management designation worldwide. 

“I’m thrilled to have Derrick join our senior leadership team and our organization. Derrick’s approach to his work, his team and our residents aligns well with Wallick’s core values. I’m excited for the new ideas and energy Derrick will bring to the team,” says Amy Albery, Wallick Communities Chief Executive Officer. 

Wallick Communities (wallick.com) serves the affordable housing and senior living markets and operates with more than 1,100 associates across five business divisions: Development, Construction, Asset Management, Affordable Housing Operations, and Senior Living Operations. For over 58 years, the business has adhered to its founder Jack Wallick’s ideals of integrity and consistent quality. Led by CEO Amy Albery and guided by its Board of Directors, Wallick is an employee-owned company. 

Wallick’s Harvey Square Development Project Awarded $1.48 Million in Tax Credits

Wallick is thrilled to announce that Harvey Square, a new senior affordable housing project based in Hopkinsville, KY, has been awarded $1,482,000 in 9% housing tax credits from the Kentucky Housing Corporation. 

Developed by Wallick, Harvey Square will serve residents ages 55 and over with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).  

Covering just over 79,000 square feet and spanning three stories, the development consists of 76 1 and 2-bedroom units. Common areas, including a lobby with age-friendly seating, a community room with a kitchenette, and a fitness center, are designed to support resident engagement and wellness.

This project owes its success to the efforts of our Development Team. A special thank you to our Development Leads, Sara Ford and Brennon Davis, for their pivotal roles in overseeing the project application.  

We look forward to Harvey Square’s anticipated closing of Fall 2024, followed by the construction of this much-needed community for seniors in the region! See the front architectural elevation below for a glimpse into our project design. 

Wallick’s Central Park Development Project Awarded $4.1 Million in Tax Credits

We are excited to share that Wallick’s Central Park project, a mixed-use development in Heath, OH, was one of 15 developments awarded $4.1 million from a highly competitive pool of state tax credits from Ohio’s Transformational Mixed-Use Development (TMUD) Program.

Situated on 48 acres of agricultural land near Heath’s Indian Mound Mall, the first phase of this project aims to redevelop and invigorate the community with four mixed-use buildings, one clubhouse and eight multifamily buildings totaling 424 residential units.

Central Park will also feature 42,000 square feet of commercial retail space expected to be occupied by shops, offices, restaurants and breweries. With amenities like recreational trail access and a community pool, the project is designed to enhance the overall pedestrian experience.

Phase II of the Central Park development entails the construction of over 580,000 square feet among 24 buildings, including two restaurant spaces, 21 multifamily buildings and one senior living building.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Ohio Department of Development, the City of Heath and Lead Developers, Michael DiCarlantonio and John Marra for making this vision a reality.

Read more about the TMUD projects that received approval across the state of Ohio HERE.

Congressman Brad Wenstrup Visits Fenner Ridge Apartments

On Tuesday, Wallick was honored and grateful to welcome Congressman Brad Wenstrup to our newly opened Fenner Ridge Apartments community in his district of OH-02. Fenner Ridge is largely funded through low-income housing tax credits and serves as a beacon of hope for families across Southwest Ohio.

Congressman Wenstrup is a lead sponsor of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act and a true champion of the Housing Credit.

According to The ACTION Campaign, since its creation in 1986, the Housing Credit has generated $1.42 billion in wages and business income and preserved 7,573 homes in Congressman Wenstrup’s district alone. Nationwide, the Housing Credit has financed over 3.8 million homes for low-income families and individuals.

Pictured above are the Ohio Housing Finance Agency Director of Legislative Affairs, Guy Ford, the Wallick Fenner Ridge Team, and Congressman Wenstrup. Captured below is a special moment with Congressman Wenstrup and Fenner Ridge resident Anita Boivin.

The Villages at Roll Hill Celebrates Greater Cincinnati Boys & Girls Club Groundbreaking

Wallick was excited to take part in the groundbreaking for The Villages at Roll Hill’s new Farmer Family Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday.

This monumental project – seven years in the making – is set to bring about transformational change in the entire Roll Hill community.

As our largest community, Roll Hill spans 80 acres and serves 704 families. Situated in an area often isolated from many surrounding resources in Greater Cincinnati, the new Boys and Girls Club is poised to be a game-changer for our youth and families at Roll Hill.

The $7 million two-story building will cater to K-12, allowing Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati to significantly broaden their services to children and teens in the area. The location where the Boys & Girls Club currently meets is limited because they operate inside a shared space at the local elementary school. This new location will allow for extended weekend hours and enhanced afterschool and summer programming.

Thank you to the Farmer Family Foundation and the City of Cincinnati for their contributions to the project!

And special thanks to Wallick team members Lisa Hyde-Miller, Dave Hendy and Brian Hendy for their tireless efforts.

Read more here.

Wallick’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Committee Hosts November Social

Last week, Wallick’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Committee hosted a social event at our corporate office. This was the first of a series aimed at fostering community, bonding with fellow associates and promoting DEI+B.

Associates from all communities were invited to enjoy learning about DEI+B, affinity groups and upcoming initiatives.

We look forward to further camaraderie and good times in 2024 as we expand these events to more of our communities. Thanks to all who made it a success!

See some photos below:

Wallick Senior Living Residents at The Crescent Share Testimonials

“I thought ‘aha’ – here’s friendship, right here waiting for me!” – Marilyn, current resident at The Crescent

Marilyn’s sentiment reflects the warm and welcoming atmosphere at The Crescent, where our residents aren’t just neighbors in a retirement community – they’re family. Every day brings new opportunities to embrace life to the fullest.

Senior living at The Crescent means:

  • Weekly live music performances, local restaurant outings, health seminars, and community socials.
  • A beautiful campus, high-end amenities, and a maintenance-free lifestyle.
  • Delicious daily meal options.
  • Meaningful connections, a genuine sense of ‘home,’ and the freedom to live life on your own terms.

If you’re on the fence about senior living in general, it can be helpful to catch a glimpse of life in the day-to-day.

A retirement community should help you live an enhanced life, retaining your independence but leaving behind potential stresses, loneliness and round-the-house burdens induced by homeownership.

Many of our own residents have found that life is not only better when you’re surrounded by friends and an active community, but “unusually wonderful and far better than anything you can expect.”

Learn what living the life at The Crescent is all about from our residents themselves here:

Wallick Celebrates Fenner Ridge Grand Opening

Last Wednesday, Wallick celebrated the grand opening of Fenner Ridge, our newest affordable housing community consisting of 56 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units serving families in Hillsboro, OH. Wallick is the manager, developer and owner of Fenner Ridge.

Several notable guests shared remarks at the event, including:

Alex Sharfetter, District Director, Office of Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-2)

Tom Eichinger, President, Hillsboro City Council

Guy Ford, Director of Legislative Affairs, Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)

Catherine Cawthon, President & CEO, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH), and Ohio Capital Finance Corporation (OCFC)

Brian Shelbourne, VP Originations, Merchants Capital

Rodney Donley, Vice President, National Cooperative Bank (NCB)

One of our new residents, Lacey, closed the program by sharing her story about how Fenner Ridge warmly welcomed her into a community “built for people just like her” in need of safe, secure housing. She officially cut the ribbon to her new home!

To hear more about Lacey’s journey and the impact Fenner Ridge has already had on her life, check out this spotlight by WCPO 9 (ABC).

Fenner Ridge features several amenities, including a playground contributed by National Cooperative Bank and a Digital Inclusion grant from Ohio Capital Finance Corporation enabling internet access for residents.

This $12.3 million project was made possible by the partnership and support of our amazing community partners, also including Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Merchants Capital, & the City of Hillsboro.

Additionally, each home has:

  • Energy Star-rated appliances and ceiling fans
  • Luxury vinyl flooring
  • Washer and dryer hookups
  • Exterior storage
  • A patio or balcony

Our team is always excited to continue our mission of Opening Doors, Opportunities and Hope to those who need it most. Thank you to all who made the opening of Fenner Ridge possible!