LORAIN, Ohio — Leaders with the Northeast Ohio affordable housing agency Raise Up joined today with City of Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley and other officialsto announce the groundbreaking of the largest Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) project in Ohio. Western Horizon is a multimillion-dollar rehabilitation project, ushering in a new era of amenity-rich affordable housing on the City of Lorain’s West Side with the transformation of Leavitt Homes, Westview Terrace and Westgate Apartments. Westview Terrace and Leavitt Homes have seen only cosmetic improvements over the past seven decades since their opening in the 1950s. Westgate Apartments has not had improvements since 1970.
The Western Horizon RAD project completely renovating Leavitt Homes, Westview Terrace and Westgate Apartments is Raise Up’s second major investment to preserve affordable housing in Lorain County. The renovation will ensure Raise Up’s properties in West Lorain remain attractive and affordable rental options for decades to come, benefiting very low- to moderate-wage-earning families.
“I commend Raise Up for bringing this project to our community. Lorain needs quality housing and neighborhood stabilization, and this is exactly the right step to accomplish that goal. Raise Up and their partners are to be complimented for their concern for our families and for building a stronger and more resilient future for our neighborhoods,” Mayor Bradley said during a ceremony at the site that was attended by Raise Up residents as well as city, county and state leaders who have supported the major renovation.
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 Leavitt Homes, Westview Terrace and Westgate Apartments will take place over approximately 18 to 24 months.
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 Lorain 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.
“Lorain County is proud to support the launch of Raise Up’s Western Horizon Rental Assistance Demonstration Project and the transformational rehabilitation of Leavitt Homes, Westview Terrace and Westgate Apartments. This investment represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening our neighborhoods, expanding quality housing opportunities and enhancing the overall quality of life for our residents. We are grateful for the collaboration of our local, state and federal partners, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact this project will have on our community,” said Lorain County Commissioner Marty Gallagher.
The project is supported by up to $43 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. (NEF) in collaboration withthe U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“At National Equity Fund, we prioritize developing dynamic, impactful partnerships with investors and sponsors who share in our mission, vision and values,” said Kristen Senff, managing director central region at NEF. “As the housing crisis rages, rents surge and older housing developments are lost, it is crucial that partners work strategically and intentionally to create more and preserve existing units to address the evolving needs of the residents and communities they serve. This groundbreaking represents an opportunity to expand access to safe, stable affordable housing for individuals and families in Lorain, providing them the foundation they need to reach their full potential.”
“At Fifth Third, we believe strong communities are built through sustained investment and trusted local partnerships,” said Matt Nipper, Northern Ohio region president for Fifth Third. “This investment helps preserve existing affordable housing in neighborhoods where it can make the greatest difference. These resources will fuel economic stability, support families and strengthen our communities for the long term.”
The planned renovations are extensive, as construction costs will exceed $141,000 per unit. Development amenities include improvements to the building that houses the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio.
“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 second major redevelopment project and our first in the City of Lorain. We are committed to preserve and expand quality affordable housing in Lorain County. We continue to work with our partners in government, community and business to support economic investment, resilient communities and opportunities for our residents.”
“Partnering with Raise Up was essential to bringing Western Horizon 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 for City of Lorain residents.”
