Cascade Village


Transformation of a formerly distressed public housing site into an award-winning community with recreational amenities, comprehensive resident services, a "green" living environment, and expanded economic opportunities.

Cascade Village
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Akron's oldest public housing site has been transformed into Cascade Village, the city's newest residential community. Cascade Village features 242 mixed-income family rental units, infrastructure improvements, and comprehensive resident services. It has won several awards for its positive impact on the community and for its successful implementation of smart growth principals.

The Community Builders has been involved in the project since 2003, when the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) sought an experienced HOPE VI partner to assist in securing revitalization funds for Elizabeth Park Homes, a 65 year-old barracks-style public housing site. AMHA had tried several times on its own to win HOPE VI funds for the tidy but obsolete development; it took two more attempts before the AMHA-TCB team was awarded a $19.25 million HOPE VI grant in the FY 2003 funding cycle. TCB was designated as the developer, property manager, and community services provider in the HOPE VI application. Master planning services and community initiatives activities have been delivered under task order with AMHA since shortly after notice of the award.

Cascade Villlage replaces the obsolete Elizabeth Park Homes site with 242 newly constructed mixed-income rental units. The community features improved natural and recreational amenities and expanded economic diversity and opportunity for residents. Cascade Village also employs environmentally friendly features including Energy Star rated systems/appliances and low VOC materials, courtesy of an Enterprise Green Communities grant. It was constructed in three phases at a total development cost of $35 million. Of the 242 new rental units, 106 are reserved as replacement housing for former Elizabeth Park Homes public housing residents. The balance of the units are offered at affordable and market-rate rents.

"Charter One recognizes the critical need for affordable housing in the state and we are pleased to celebrate the impact that nonprofit developers, such as The Community Builders, are making in the lives of Ohio residents."

—Rocky Richardson, Vice President, Charter One Bank

Project Highlights

Awards

Fact Sheet

Cascade Village
Cascade Village Fact Sheet