A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held July 8, 2025, to celebrate Starling Yard, a stunning new 97-unit affordable housing community featuring the adaptive reuse of a long-vacant 1908 historic school, combined with two new construction buildings. Starling Yard is in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus.
The event was hosted by developer Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and co-developer Franklinton Development Association (FDA). The celebration featured Mayor Andrew Ginther and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, and representatives from Franklin County, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus & Franklin County (AHT), the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority (CFCFA), Marble Cliff Capital, Huntington National Bank, residents, and other supporters.
The historic Starling school was originally built in 1908 as West High School with the Neoclassical Doric style of architecture. The building later served as Starling Middle School but was eventually closed and remained vacant since approximately 2013. The building once appeared on Columbus Landmark’s Most Endangered Sites list. It was purchased for the development through an agreement with the Board of Education of the Columbus City School District.
Starling Yard, which includes the restoration and adaptation of the school plus the construction of two new 3-story buildings, provides a blend of apartment unit sizes including 40 one-bedroom, 45 two-bedroom apartments, and 12 three-bedroom units, offering affordable rental rates for residents with household incomes of 30% to 80% of the area median income. Rental rates range from $401 to $1,295 per month, depending on the income restriction and size of the unit. There are five units adapted for those with mobility challenges and four units for those with sight and hearing disabilities.
The City of Columbus supported the redevelopment for new affordable housing by providing a mortgage loan and the city approved a tax abatement.
“Starling Yard is a powerful example of what is possible when we invest in our residents, our neighborhoods and our future,” said City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “What was once one of Columbus Landmarks’ most endangered sites is now a vibrant, welcoming home for families in our community – close to jobs, schools and everything Downtown has to offer. This transformation is the result of a true public-private partnership, and a testament to the progress we can make when we work together.”
Franklin County provided a mortgage loan though its Magnet Fund program, in addition to an equity bridge loan. Starling Yard is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in people and neighborhoods,” said Franklin County Board of Commissioners President Erica C. Crawley.
“By preserving the legacy of this historic school and transforming it into quality, affordable housing, we’re not only addressing the urgent need for homes, but we’re also strengthening the foundation of the Franklinton community. Franklin County is proud to support this effort through our Magnet Fund and equity bridge financing, and we remain committed to ensuring that every resident, every day has access to a safe, stable, and dignified place to call home.”
The restored school building now has 45 apartments with modern amenities and contemporary finishes to compliment the historic site. The architects took into consideration the existing character to preserve and restore architectural features such as original tin ceilings, flooring, doors, trim, and chalkboards.
Starling Yard’s two new three-story walk-up buildings feature 52 new apartments. Architecture for the new buildings incorporates covered porches to highlight the front elevations and additional architectural details, including dormers and cornice details, that complement the existing historic building and neighborhood homes.
All Starling Yard apartments offer large living spaces; kitchens with ENERGY STAR appliances, including dishwashers; microwaves; washer/dryer hookups; air conditioning, and plenty of storage. Interiors feature attractive finishes, quality cabinetry, and luxury vinyl tile flooring. Lifestyle amenities include a community room with kitchenette, a laundry room, and bike racks. There is a management office for an onsite community manager and maintenance staff, and a mail/parcel center for residents. Small pets are allowed at Starling Yard. The entire development will receive National Green Building Standard certification.
Co-developer FDA’s mission is to help ensure housing options that are affordable for various income level residents are available in the neighborhood.
“Starling Yard serves as a great example of the type housing Franklinton Development Association wants to see in our neighborhood: affordable for low-to-moderate income households, higher density construction, and a development that preserves a building that was in danger of demolition,” said Eric Skidmore, Executive Director of FDA. “We are excited to have been a part of bringing homes to 97 residents of Franklinton.”
Primary financial support for Starling Yard is the result of a bond issuance and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) allocated by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) who also provided an equity bridge loan. “We’re excited to celebrate the addition of 97 new affordable apartments to the Franklinton neighborhood. What was once a vacant historic building has a new life and future as the Starling Yard community,” said Grant Miller, Legislative Liaison for OHFA.
Equity financing was provided through syndicator Marble Cliff Capital (MCC) who invested in the LIHTCs, federal historic tax credits, as well as Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits awarded by Ohio Department of Development.
“Today, we celebrate not just the opening of Starling Yard, but a new chapter for a cherished historic asset in the Columbus community— the former Starling School, which has now been transformed into much-needed affordable housing for 97 Columbus households,” said MCC Principal Brian Graney. “We are truly thrilled to be a part of building a brighter future for Columbus. Hats off to all the invaluable partners who made this historic redevelopment possible.”
A permanent first mortgage was provided by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
“Supporting the development of new affordable housing options is critical in our mission as a lender supporting neighborhoods and communities. We are pleased to provide financial support to Starling Yard in the Franklinton neighborhood in Columbus,” said Michael J. Goerdt, Vice President, Specialty Finance Group.
The Huntington National Bank was bond purchaser and provided a construction loan.
“Huntington Bank is committed to strengthening the communities we serve, and we are proud to help provide construction financing for the Starling Yard project,” said Sue Zazon, Regional President for Huntington. “It’s critically important to ensure our neighbors have access to a safe, secure, affordable, and convenient housing option – and this development strengthens the region.”
Other lenders include MCC affiliate Marble Cliff Communities, the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus & Franklin County (AHT), and the Housing Action Fund (HAF), an affiliate of AHT. Equity bridge loans were also provided by OHFA and AHT. Starling Yard also benefited from taxable lease revenue bonds issued by Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority, along with an exemption for sales tax on building materials.
Developer Woda Cooper has already performed adaptive reuse on several earlier developments.
“Starling School was in danger of demolition, and we are happy that it was saved and adapted for quality affordable housing in Franklinton where it is needed for workforce families and others seeking affordable housing,” said Jeffrey J. Woda, Woda Cooper Companies’ Founder.
Historic and contemporary architecture and design was performed by PCI Design Group, Inc. with Naylor Wellman serving as historic consultant. American Structurepoint was the civil engineer. Providence Engineering was the structural engineer, with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering performed by Prater Engineering. Sustainability consultant was Sol Design + Consulting. Woda Construction, Inc. was general contractor and Woda Cooper’s management division, Woda Management & Real Estate, LLC., oversees leasing and property management.
Read more about Starling Yard’s use of Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits and its historic adaptive reuse here.
