First Community Village Celebrates Historic Ice House Renovation, Recognizes Elford Foundation Donation

COLUMBUS, Ohio ­– First Community Village celebrates improvements to the historic ice house, made possible through a $100,000 gift from the Elford Foundation. The First Community Village campus was once the Miller Farm, of which the ice house was a signature landmark. Built in 1860, the ice house is considered the oldest building in the Upper Arlington Historic District. Renovations to preserve and enhance the ice house began in the fall of 2021 and included addition of a new roof, restroom, stairs, painting and landscaping.

The ribbon cutting ceremony featured special recognition of the generosity of the Elford Foundation with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Mike Fitzpatrick, president of Elford, Inc.

“We’re so honored to be partners with National Church Residences,” said Fitzpatrick. “This project, to us was very personal. We had friends and family that lived here. It is a community and it brings people together. It brings families together. We view this ice house project as a place that can continue in that spirit.”

“The philanthropy of local businesses, like Elford, and the philanthropy of individual people was how First Community Village got started. It was giving,” noted Mark Ricketts, president and CEO of National Church Residences, which manages and operates the First Community Village campus. “I can tell you that after 60 years of seeing this happen, it will last another 60 through the gifts and the support of people.”

Since 1963, First Community Village has provided a welcoming environment, stylish residential

surroundings and a dynamic culture for retirement living on its Upper Arlington campus. As a continuing care retirement community, the Village offers independent living and assisted living – as well as secure memory care, health care and wellness services. Residents enjoy a variety of clubs and activities, including swimming in the beautiful on-site pool, volunteering, cultural events, movie nights, a state-of-the-art therapy gym and more.

About the Elford Foundation

A philanthropic arm of Elford, Inc., a 112-year-old Columbus-based construction company, the Elford Foundation supports causes consistent with the company’s on-going mission to build, serve and lead while supporting their community and enriching lives.

About National Church Residences 

National Church Residences serves more than 42,000 seniors through its array of housing and health care services. With 340 communities in 25 states, it is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. The organization also offers residential senior communities, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit National Church Residences online at NationalChurchResidences.org and via social media on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.