Woda Cooper Cos. and Franklin Development Association have opened Starling Yard, a 97-unit affordable housing community. The adaptive reuse project involved the conversion of a historic school in Columbus, Ohio.
Apartments cater to residents earning 30 to 80 percent of the area median income. Additionally, nine units are adapted for individuals living with mobility challenges or suffering from sight and hearing disabilities. Rental rates range from $401 to $1,295.
According to Yardi Matrix data, funding for the adaptive reuse development included the following:
- $16.5 million in bonds issued by Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority with Huntington National Bank as trustee
- $6.7 million in a permanent first mortgage issued by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Co.
- $4.9 million issued by a private lender
- $820,000 issued by Marble Cliff Capital affiliate Marble Cliff Communities
- $250,000 originated by the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County
Additional financial partners consisted of Housing Action Fund and Franklin County, as well as the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Marble Cliff Capital provided equity through LIHTC syndication, as well as the purchase of state and federal historic tax credits.
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Starling Yard is at 120 S. Central Ave., about 2 miles from the downtown area. Transit stops, a park and a sports complex are within walking distance.
Floorplans comprise one- to three-bedroom layouts averaging 879 square feet. Units feature large living spaces and air conditioning, while the common-area amenities consist of a community room including a kitchenette, laundry room and bike racks. Starling Yard will receive NGBS certification.
The conversion of a 117-year-old school building
The 1908-built historic school was on Columbus Landmark’s Most Endangered Sites list. The educational institution stood vacant for a decade prior to the repositioning efforts that started in 2023.
Complementing the building’s original Neoclassical Doric-style architecture, the conversion process involved the replacement of window awnings with single-hung windows and the swapping of doors with historic wooden entrances. Several elements were retained and refurbished, such as stonework, brickwork and transoms.
Besides the restoration and adaptation, the developers also constructed two new three-story structures. The revamped building now features 45 units, while the remaining 52 apartments are in the new buildings.
PCI Design Group provided historic and contemporary architectural services, while Naylor Wellman served as the historic tax incentive consultant. American Structurepoint and Providence Engineering assisted with civil and structural engineering, respectively. Prater Engineering handled mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, while Sol Design + Consulting provided sustainability consultancy. A Woda Cooper affiliate served as the general contractor.
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