Woda Cooper JV Starts Construction on Ohio Affordable Project

The development is on track for completion by mid-2025.

Woda Cooper Cos. Inc., along with Housing Services Alliance, has broken ground on Munson Crossing, a 43-unit affordable housing project in Zanesville, Ohio. The community will rise on the site of a demolished elementary school, with completion estimated in roughly 12 to 15 months.

The development team includes general contractor Woda Construction Inc. alongside PCI Design Group Inc., which provided architectural services, and Chadan Engineering Inc., which serves as civil engineer. The same team worked on another Ohio affordable project that broke ground in September.

Upon delivery, Munson Crossing will encompass one- to three-bedroom floorplans between 663 and 1,105 square feet. All units will cater to residents earning from 30 to 80 percent of the area median income, with four units set aside for residents with physical disabilities and sight/hearing disabilities.

Apartments are to feature modern kitchens with ENERGY STAR appliances, quality cabinetry and vinyl-tile flooring. Community amenities will include a laundry room, a multipurpose room with a kitchenette and a package room.

Located at 109 Brighton Blvd., the site is some 3 miles south of Interstate 70, and roughly 1 mile southwest of downtown Zanesville. The community will be within walking distance of Chaps Run Park and less than 1 mile from Gant Stadium.

Rental affordability in Ohio

The $13.8 million project costs have been accrued through a $7.8 million construction loan originated by RiverHills Bank and $6.1 million in LIHTC equity provided by PNC Bank. The Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority issued a sales tax exemption for building materials purchased in Muskingum County. In addition, $6.7 million in federal low-income housing tax credits and a $5 million investment came from the Ohio Housing Trust Fund. The first permanent mortgage will be provided by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

According to Zanesville Time Recorder, there were some 200 unused Section 8 vouchers in the city as of 2023, underscoring the shortage of affordable housing. To this extent, a new program that aims to improve access to affordable housing across the state was launched. Titled Welcome Home Ohio, the program aims to provide $100 million in grants over a 2-year period for land banks to purchase, rehabilitate or build qualifying residential properties for income-eligible residents.