1981-84: Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation (RF); Cincinnati, Ohio

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Hired as a key consultant for the planning of and the design of affordable housing  within the Walnut Hills Community,  Mr. Alexander was given the priority task of creating an comprehensive infill housing plan for apparent vacant and underutilized lots within the community. Second part of the assignment entailed the formulated an Action Plan and Implementation Strategy for actual creation of same. This would be either in joint venture with for profit entities or self-development by RF.(This plan was the first of its kind, locally, as a tool for neighborhood redevelopment)

 

Working in conjunction with City Community Development and Planning staffs, he gathered all relevant data from their files and proceeded to update what was necessary. Some community conversations had to be conducted to find out more about the vacant lots and why they were currently in that state. This engagement of neighbors assisted in measurable in some cases.

 

While working on the plan lead to a need to initially assess a number of vacant and abandoned multi-family buildings. These were added and the study was expended.  RF being able to have two of these building given to then by HUD, Mr. Alexander elevated to designer for these proposed affordable apartments ( 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms). All buildings were historic structures and design had to be sensitive to that fact.

 

Facilitation: Key Groups/Participants

                                                Walnut Hills Community Residents

                                                Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation Staff      

                                                City Department of Community Development Staff

                                                City Department of Building and Housing

                                                City Department of Historical Preservation

                                                Staff of Local office of HUD

                                                Walnut Hills Community Council

Results:

                                                Planning tool to assess building priorities and use for vacant lots

                                                Inventory and updating of pertinent information for each lot

                                                Added inventory of vacant/abandoned multi-family buildings

                                                Development of historical guidelines for preparing adaptive reuse plans

Acquisition of three vacant historic multi-family building leading to final redevelopment

                                                Setting new standards for other Community Development Corporations