Raise Up joins with city, county, state and other officials at a groundbreaking ceremony to announce the start of a major rehabilitation for Wilkes Villa Apartments; the 18-to-24-month renovation will provide strong economic and jobs boost to local economy.
ELYRIA, Ohio — Leaders with the Northeast Ohio affordable housing agency Raise Up joined today with Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker and other officials to announce the groundbreaking of a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation project, ushering in a new era of amenity-rich affordable housing at the 174-unit Wilkes Villa Apartments that has seen only cosmetic improvements over the past six decades since its opening in 1972.
Raise Up’s plans for Wilkes Villa — the first investment of its kind in Lorain County — is hailed as a crucial step in the effort to preserve affordable housing in Lorain County and ensure Wilkes Villa remains an attractive, affordable rental option for decades to come, benefiting very low to moderate wage-earning families.
“This project is a major investment for Elyria. It means better, more modern homes for residents, a refreshed neighborhood and local jobs along the way,” Mayor Brubaker said during a ceremony at the site that was attended by Wilkes Villa residents as well as city, county and state leaders who have supported the major renovation.
“I want to thank the team at Raise Up and the many partners who made this project possible,” Brubaker said.
Families are excited that each unit will be completely upgraded with air conditioning and new kitchens and baths, as well as site amenities including a new playground, basketball court and gazebo area. Construction at the Wilkes Villa property, located at 104 Portia Court, will take place over approximately 18 to 24 months.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing my neighborhood get a makeover,” Wilkes Villa resident Constance Jones said.
The project is expected to provide the region with a strong employment and economic boost, as Columbus-based developer TFG Housing Resources and general contractor Ruscilli Construction have pledged to use local labor and materials as much as possible.
More than 40% of the total construction costs are allocated to subcontractors based in Elyria and the surrounding area. At any given time, there will be 100-125 construction workers on-site during the project, and their spending on meals, lodging, equipment and other purchases will support hotels, restaurants, material shops and local businesses.
“We are proud to collaborate with Raise Up on this historic important and impactful public and private initiative,” said Lorain County Commissioner Marty Gallagher.
“We’re committed to Lorain County being at the national forefront in identifying solutions that help address the affordable housing crisis that challenges far too many people in Ohio and across America, especially those with disabilities, older adults and hardworking wage-earning households who work here but can’t afford to live here,” Gallagher said. “The Wilkes Villa renovation aligns with our vision for moving our community forward.”
The project is supported by up to $37 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds issued by Raise Up. Additional funding support is provided by Ohio Housing Finance Agency through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Fifth Third Bank and the National Equity Fund Inc. in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“At Fifth Third, we believe that strong banks need strong communities — and strong communities begin with access to safe, affordable housing,” said Fifth Third Community Impact Manager Dana Capers. “We are proud to help ensure that Wilkes Villa remains an attractive, affordable rental option for the residents of Elyria and Lorain County.”
The planned renovations are extensive, as construction costs will exceed $120,000 per unit. Development amenities include improvements to the building that houses Lorain County Health and Dentistry and the Horizon Education Center.
“Our vision is to create a Lorain County free of housing insecurity, where everyone has a place to call home and opportunities to grow and thrive,” said Raise Up Chief Executive Officer Judith Carlin. “This is our first major redevelopment but just the beginning of our plans to preserve and expand quality affordable housing in Lorain County. Raise Up will continue to work with our partners in government, community and business to support economic investment and strong, safe and resilient communities.”
Upon project completion, the Wilkes Villa unit mix will include six one-bedroom units, 80 two-bedroom units, 54 three-bedroom units, 18 four-bedroom units and 16 five-bedroom units. All units are a town house design.
“Partnering with Raise Up was essential to bringing Wilkes Villa across the finish line,” said TFG Housing Resources President Brad Carman. “Together, we’re preserving long-term affordability while making meaningful investments in the homes and quality of life of Elyria residents.”
