Celebrating Community Spirit and the Renovation of Cherry Blossom

Columbus, Ohio — Cherry Blossom, an income-based senior housing community located in Columbus, Ohio, marked a major milestone recently with a vibrant celebration in honor of its newly renovated facilities and the residents who call it home. This affordable senior apartment community, located in a quiet residential neighborhood, offers a peaceful, yet active lifestyle with a range of amenities to support residents’ independence and their well-being. The community is conveniently located near Hilliard, Galloway, Grove City and downtown Columbus, offering easy access to everything residents need for a fulfilling life. With 55 units (54 one-bedroom and one two-bedroom), Cherry Blossom is committed to providing older adults with a place to call home, whether they are looking for a supportive community or simply a cost-effective, comfortable living space.

“Cherry Blossom is a great example of how collaborative efforts can make a meaningful impact on affordable housing and enrich the lives of those who live here,” said Senior Project Leader Stephanie Rhodes of National Church Residences, which has had a strong presence in the area since 1976 with other assets such as Lincoln Gardens, Lincoln Village and Hilltop I & II nearby.

Cherry Blossom has undergone extensive upgrades that include the HVAC system, new windows, doors and roof, upgraded lighting and enhanced landscaping. Each apartment received a fresh coat of paint, new cabinets, countertops, flooring and lighting were installed. Handicap-accessible apartments also received additional upgrades to improve accessibility. The community room was overhauled with a reconfigured kitchen, upgraded appliances, flooring and furniture along with a newly painted color scheme. A new fitness room was added to Cherry Blossom to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Thanks to the support of key funding partners, including the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County, the City of Columbus, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Key Bank, the project has transformed Cherry Blossom into a modern, accessible, and vibrant community for older adults. The project has enhanced the property’s physical infrastructure and improved the quality of life for its residents.

The City of Columbus contributed $700,000 in HOME funds, while the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County invested more than $5 million in construction funding, alongside $3.2 million in permanent financing to ensure the preservation of this important community resource.

To ensure the building’s design and upgrades align with the needs of today’s older adults, Columbus-based architectural firm Berardi Partners and general contractor Model Construction of Cincinnati worked closely with the organization’s development team.

In addition to providing affordable housing, Cherry Blossom is proud to partner with the Community Shelter Board to offer housing for older adults who were previously homeless. This partnership is an essential part of Cherry Blossom’s mission to support the most vulnerable members of the community.

About National Church Residences

Originating from a Christian commitment of service, National Church Residences provides an array of health care services and a variety of housing options to 65,000 seniors. The nonprofit organization is driven by a vision to scale for mission impact by advancing better living for 100,000 seniors by 2030, wherever they call home. With more than 350 communities across the United States, it is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. The organization also offers a variety of additional senior living options, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit us at NationalChurchResidences.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.