Preserving history in Cincinnati with AHP

The building once known as the Manse Hotel has a new life thanks in part to a grant from FHLB Cincinnati’s Affordable Housing Program, FHLB member KeyBank and the property owner, The Model Group.

Beginning in the 1930s, the Manse Hotel provided a safe place for African American travelers to stay during the era of segregation. Over the years, legends like Duke Ellington, Thurgood Marshall, Count Basie, Frank Robinson and James Brown all crossed over the threshold into that historic hotel in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati.

It was a landmark in Cincinnati, but business declined as downtown Cincinnati hotels became integrated. The Manse was sold and was eventually converted into an apartment building, but had been vacant and fallen into disrepair prior to the recent redevelopment efforts.

With the completion of the project, the historic campus was converted into the Manse Apartments which now provides affordable housing units for income eligible seniors. FHLB Cincinnati’s contribution helped make 52 of 60 total units possible.

When The Model Group first mapped out the project, they contemplated tearing down the existing infrastructure and starting fresh, but the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation and local community quickly expressed the importance of preserving the hotel and its vibrant history. The fully developed property combined the restoration of the historic buildings that comprised the Manse Hotel and Annex along with new construction, and a vibrant art mural, on an adjacent lot.

Since its opening, the Manse Apartments have filled an important need in the community by providing an affordable housing option to those over 60 along with other services for residents. FHLB’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council and Board of Directors recently toured the facility to see the impact first-hand.

“We often celebrate the success of our AHP projects as they break ground and welcome residents for the first time, but it’s a special opportunity to see the lasting impact a grant can have on preserving the culture of a community and for those who call Manse Apartments home,” said Damon Allen, SVP, Chief Marketing & Community Investment Officer.

View more information about the project [ PDF ].