Collingwood Green V apartments becoming a reality
TOLEDO – A groundbreaking ceremony for 75-unit senior apartment complex called Collingwood Green V took place on last month at the corner of Nebraska Ave. and Division St.
This effort comes after years of logistics, funding requests and collaboration involving a collection of nonprofits, businesses and agencies from local to federal. The City of Toledo, Lucas County, Lucas Metropolitan Housing, National Church Residences and Rudolph Libbe Group are the lead partners.
More than 50 people, including LMH staff, elected officials, other dignitaries and news media, attended the presentations and groundbreaking celebrating the housing project, which is aimed at seniors 62 and older who can thrive in independent living circumstances. It’s slated to open in 2026.
“This project is an example of what we can do when we work together,” said Rosalyn Clemens, Toledo Housing and Community development director.
“We’re going to renew possibility in this area so close to downtown,” added U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio District 9, who was among the officials at the presentation.
Funding for the $29 million development includes a total $6.7 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were directed from City of Toledo and Lucas County Board of Commissioners authority. Union workers will be involved with the construction.
The Collingwood Green housing development replaces the long-demolished Brand Whitlock and Albertus Brown Homes sites. The Whitlock housing development was one of Toledo’s oldest public housing projects; some of those attending were familiar with the neighborhood and recalled the drab atmosphere.
“They had fallen into a state of disrepair,” described Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.
The Collingwood Green V project will feature 75 one-bedroom units, along with shared space. It adds to a redeveloped neighborhood that is already showcasing colorful exteriors and green space.
“LMH isn’t just building apartments. They are building a community,” said Lucas County commissioner Lisa A. Sobecki.
The reason to focus on seniors is the demographic and population trends in City of Toledo. The 2020 Census showed 14 percent of Toledo residents are 60 and older. The age 85 and older population is specifically increasing at a fast pace, according to the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio.
“We are living longer as Toledoans, and that’s a good thing,” Kapszukiewicz said.
That trend, however, has an impact on long-range community needs and services.
“Housing is the biggest expense for retirees,” said Bill Harris, immediate past board chair of the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio.
The speakers emphasized the goal of Collingwood Green V is to provide affordable housing.
The phrase “affordable housing,” Clemens explained, goes beyond the traditional idea of public housing or Section 8 qualifications. Instead, it indicates that housing costs no more than 30 percent of someone’s income. Within that range, individuals and families are better able to afford other everyday expenses, such as car repairs.
“We are showing everyone that decent, safe and sanitary housing is vital for seniors,” said Brian Murray, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Cleveland Field Office director.
Those eligible to live in the upcoming apartment units will be income at or below 80 percent of the Toledo Area Median Income, which is currently $48,650.
More specifically, 30 apartments are intended for seniors at or below 50 percent of the Toledo Area Median Income, which is currently $30,400.
