A new affordable senior housing development has broken ground in Marion County. Developers hope to see the property completed by the end of 2027.
Harding Heights Apartments, a 50-unit complex, is a $17 million investment for Wallick, the developer behind the project. The complex will be Wallick’s third property in Marion, including Marion Village.
The Harding Heights Apartments will be located at 265 University Drive.
Wallick invited state and local leaders to attend a groundbreaking ceremony May 11 to mark the beginning of construction.
“Wallick is constructing Harding Heights and will own and manage it when it is completed,” Wallick CEO Amy Albery said. “There is a significant need for safe, affordable housing for adults of all ages throughout Central Ohio and across the state.”
The apartments will have 25 one-bedroom units and 25 two-bedroom units. Each apartment will be equipped with full kitchens, appliances, carpeted bedrooms and laundry connections. On the first floor of the building residents can socialize in the community room, use the exercise room or visit the computer and library room.
“The project’s units will be rent and income restricted to seniors 55 and older that earn up to 80% of the area median income,” Wallick Vice President of Development Jimmy McCune said. “So the residents will pay their rent just like anywhere else, the rents are just capped.”
The Ohio Finance Agency approved the Harding Heights project for funding through the Ohio Low-Income Housing Tax Credit along with federal tax credits. McCune explained the state credits are competitive, with applications being judged on project location and census markers.
Harding Heights is the first project for which Wallick has used the tax credits.
“Really, what the story that that tells is that Marion is in need of affordable housing, both for families and seniors,” McCune said. “So when we applied for the funding to construct Harding Heights, we knew it was going to be a competitive application. And long story short, it got awarded and now here we are today.”
During the groundbreaking, State Representative Tracy Richardson and Taylor Armstrong, a representative for U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, were among those that presented Albery with proclamations in support of the project.
“This project is beyond compare,” Richardson said. “It’s a long time coming because there are a lot of seniors that really need it.”
While the funding is competitive, McCune said Wallick would like to keep investing in Marion, especially given the “ease of transaction” the company has had between the city and county.
McCune expects to start taking resident applications about three months prior to the expected completion of construction in December 2027.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: New $17 million affordable senior housing complex coming to Marion
Reporting by Abby Bammerlin, Marion Star / Marion Star
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