Tender Mercies has begun the rehabilitation of the historic Harkavy Hall at 24 W 12th Street in Over-the-Rhine.
Groundbreaking for the project took place in the building's courtyard on April 17, with Ohio Senator Eric Kearney and vice president of development of project partner Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing Brian Langmeyer serving as guest speakers.
The building, which was constructed in the 1870s, contains 30 single-room occupancy units, communal space, and laundry facilities for formerly homeless persons with histories of mental and/or emotional disabilities.
When the more than $4 million project concludes in 2009, it will feature:
- An extra 13,000 usable square feet, including a refinished basement that will house offices, storage space, and a barber shop
- A restored façade
- Up-to-date code compliance, including two new sets of fireproof emergency stairs
- A new elevator
- ADA accessibility
- Green features that will save approximately half of their current energy use
- Air conditioning
"Our community truly values the support provided by our partnering organizations that have helped us begin this key project to the mission of Tender Mercies," says Tender Mercies CEO Bren Blaine. "Once completed, this building will offer our residents more living space and improved accommodations for a safe and comfortable home.”
Residents are being moved to one of Tender Mercies' five other buildings during construction.
Partners in the project also include the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and the Manuel D. & Rhoda Mayerson Foundation.
Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Barbara Flick, development committee member, Tender Mercies; Bren Blaine, CEO, Tender Mercies
Photography by Scott Beseler
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.