Breaking Ground on Essential Affordable Housing for the Northland, Ohio Neighborhood

COLUMBUS, OH — National Church Residences broke ground on the second phase of Bretton Woods, a new 60-unit affordable housing community for older adults in the Northland neighborhood of Columbus located at 2509 Bretton Woods Drive. This development builds on the success of the first phase, which opened in 2022 with 62 apartment homes and features  an on-site service coordinator, fitness center, community room with kitchen, laundry facilities, and a walking path through the wooded lot.

Bretton Woods provides safe, affordable housing—and a true sense of community—for residents like Penny Johnson. “I’ve been at Bretton Woods since the day it opened,” said Johnson. “I used to live by myself and didn’t have much interaction with others. What I really enjoy here is the people. We’ve developed a bond and look out for each other. I’m able to be myself, and that brings me a lot of joy.”

Bretton Woods II has received an allocation of Ohio Low Income Housing Tax Credits (OLIHTC), a new funding source from the State of Ohio. The development also secured bond funds from the City of Columbus and Franklin County, further solidifying the financial foundation for this vital community.

“We are committed to enhancing affordable housing options for older adults in the Northland area,” said Amy Rosenthal, vice president of affordable housing development at National Church Residences. “The support we’ve received from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and our local partners is crucial to the success of Bretton Woods II.”

Columbus-based architecture firm, Berardi Partners designed the community, while Ruscilli Construction is overseeing the general contractor duties. CREA is the equity provider, Berkadia is providing the first mortgage loan and Huntington is providing the construction loan for this new community for adults aged 55 and older.

The application was submitted on January 16, 2024, and received final OLIHTC approval from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s Board in June 2024. Once completed, Bretton Woods II will significantly enhance National Church Residences’ commitment to affordable housing in Columbus, providing additional options for older adults in the community.

The Northland neighborhood has a high concentration of vulnerable older adults facing rising housing cost burdens and chronic health issues, according to a 2014 study by the Kirwan Institute. As was the case with the previous new developments by National Church Residences in this neighborhood over the past two years – including the original Bretton Woods, Northland Gate and Salem Village – Bretton Woods II also was designed to address this urgent need. Additionally, National Church Residences owns and operates Worthington East Court next to Salem Village.

With the addition of Bretton Woods II, National Church Residences will have 47 communities with nearly 3,600 apartments in the Columbus metro area.