Columbus, OH, November 28, 2022 — Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. (WCC) is pleased to announce that Jenkins Lofts, a 60-unit affordable housing community located at 27 West Jenkins Ave., Columbus, was recently certified LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Jenkins Lofts was co-developed by Community Development for All People (CD4AP) and WCC.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a globally-recognized symbol of excellence in green building. According to USGBC, LEED certification ensures electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments where people live, work, learn, play and worship. USGBC documents state that in the United States alone, buildings account for almost 40% of national CO2 emissions, but LEED-certified buildings have 34% lower CO2 emissions, consume 25% less energy and 11% less water, and have diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills.
The $14.1 million Jenkins Lofts provides 15 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom apartments with affordable rental rates for residents that earn 30% to 70% area median income. Units offer large living spaces, kitchens with ENERGY STAR appliances, including dishwashers, laundry closets with washer/dryer hookups. Interior of apartments feature attractive finishes, quality cabinetry, luxury vinyl tile flooring. Lifestyle amenities include a community room with kitchenette, computer center, and fitness center, in addition to an onsite early childhood center.
Green building methods and components were utilized in all facets of construction of the 72,450 sq. ft. building. Jenkins Lofts is 100 percent electric and includes use of local aggregates and materials with recycled content (insulation, drywall) as available. It also utilized low emissions paint, insulation and other materials; advanced framing; and includes energy efficient doors, windows, and an electric traction elevator. In addition to ENERGY STAR appliances, LED light fixtures and low flow water fixtures were used for high-level efficiencies. Jenkins Lofts’ location offers close access to the Columbus Ohio Transit Authority bus line and many businesses and services.
An added resource at Jenkins Lofts is an onsite early childhood learning center operated by SproutFive (formerly known as South Side Early Learning), with priority spots for children of resident families. In addition, CD4AP coordinates resident support services such as financial literacy lessons, vocational readiness training, and parenting classes.
“Jenkins Lofts is an example of our commitment to building and operating quality communities that contribute to the wellbeing of our residents. Green building components and practices and resulting energy efficiency mean that Jenkins Lofts mean pay low monthly utility bills,” said Jonathan McKay, Woda Cooper Companies’ Vice President-Development. “The combination of affordable housing with added amenities, such as the onsite early learning center and access to supportive services, help residents obtain resources they need to live healthy, productive lives.”
Jenkins Lofts was made possible with funding supported by an equity bridge loan and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing invested in the credits in exchange for equity financing and awarded a grant through an affiliate to CD4AP for the development. The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County provided a second equity bridge loan. First Commonwealth Bank provided permanent financing and also provided a construction loan. The City of Columbus Housing Preservation Bond also provided permanent financing.
PCI Design Group was architect, with civil engineering by Structure Point. Sol Design + Consulting was sustainability consultant. Woda Construction Inc. was general contractor and Woda Cooper’s management division, Woda Management & Real Estate, oversees leasing and property management. For more information about leasing, visit wodagroup.com or call 380-210-3649.
About Community Development for All People
Community Development for All People (CD4AP), a ministry of the United Methodist Church for All People, grew out of a message of unconditional love and an atmosphere of radical hospitality. CD4AP was formed in 2003 with the mission of improving the quality of life for persons on the South Side of Columbus. Our vision is for a whole, healthy, and engaged community where All People are empowered to pursue their hopes, dreams, and aspirations; where lives are transformed by faith and trust, and personal fulfillment is experienced through the abundance of God’s love and grace. To bring our Vision to life, CD4AP catalyzes collaborations with key strategic partners to improve the quality of life for all residents of the South Side through individual and community services.
About Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and its affiliates specialize in the development, design, construction, and management of high-quality affordable multi-family apartments, senior communities, and single-family homes. The company marked 30 years in business May 2, 2020, with operations in 16 states and a portfolio of approximately 400 communities and 16,000 units. Green building is standard with certifications including Passive House, Zero Energy Ready Homes, LEED, Enterprise Green, EarthCraft, and ENERGY STAR. Woda Cooper has offices in Savannah, GA; Indianapolis, IN; Shelbyville, KY; Queenstown, MD; Mackinaw City, MI; Columbus, OH; and Norfolk, VA. Affordable Housing Finance magazine ranked Woda Cooper Companies 10th in nation among Developers and 17th among Owners in 2022.
