At a ceremonial groundbreaking last week, Neighborhood Progress (NPI) and Pennrose Properties celebrated a $15.1 million project to renovate the former St. Luke's Hospital into 72 units of affordable senior housing. The event highlighted the project's sustainability features, the rich history of Saint Luke's and a grassroots effort to involve youth in beautifying the building.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency Director Doug Garver told the audience that the Saint Luke's project was selected to receive competitive Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) because of its unmatched site amenities. The renovation will be energy-efficient, and the site is adjacent to a school, a library, a public transit station, a walking path, shopping and parks. "It's truly green in every sense," he said.

Denise San Antonio Zeman, President and CEO of the Saint Luke's Foundation, highlighted the rich history of Saint Luke's Hospital. Cleveland General Hospital, as it was known then, was originally located at 274 Woodland Avenue. "Public health nurses rode around on bicycles to make their rounds," she said. "Today, we'd call that green."

Throughout its long history, Saint Luke's Hospital remained committed to the needs of the community and the poor, Zeman added. "Now it's time to change the hospital's focus to meet the contemporary needs of the community," she said.

The developers also highlighted artists Angelica Pozo and Anna Arnold, who recruited Harvey Rice Elementary School students to create artistic boards that will cover up windows in the portion of the building awaiting future redevelopment. "This was a way to involve the local community while also beautifying the building," said Joel Ratner, President of NPI.


Sources: Doug Garver, Denise Zeman, Joel Ratner
Writer: Lee Chilcote