Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and co-developer IMPACT Community Action hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting today for the 102-unit affordable housing community called The Enclave on Main at 3540 East Main Street in Whitehall. The $29.86 million development is reserved for renters who earn 30% to 80% area median income. Affordable rents range from $435 to $1,240 per month, depending on income restriction and size of unit.
“As Central Ohio continues to grow, Whitehall is leading with intention—making housing affordability and equity a priority,” said Whitehall’s Mayor Michael T. Bivens. “This new community isn’t just about housing—it’s about opportunity. This development is centrally located, future-ready with the LinkUS transit corridor and designed to support families and strengthen neighborhoods. This is the kind of people-centered progress we’re proud to lead in Whitehall.”
The City of Whitehall approved a Payment In Lieu of Taxes related to the real estate taxes for 15 years on 100% of the residential improvements.
In addition to Mayor Bivens, the ribbon-cutting event drew officials from Franklin County, including Franklin County Treasurer Cheryl Brooks Sullivan, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, plus other financial partners, the development team, residents, and many other area housing advocates who support expanded affordable housing in the community.
The Enclave at Main represents significant support from Franklin County. The Board of Commissioners approved a permanent mortgage loan through its Magnet Fund program. It also benefits from a $25 million linked deposit fund created by the Franklin County Treasurer Brooks Sullivan.
Contemporary building featuring public art and onsite resident services
The four-story Enclave at Main building features contemporary styling with brick accents and a large colorful mural facing Main Street. The mural was created by Ohio-based muralists Lucie Shearer & Thom Glick.
Units at The Enclave offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts with quality finishes, plenty of storage and energy efficiency. There are 16 one-bedroom, 63 two-bedroom apartments, and 23 three-bedroom units, with several units adapted for those with mobility challenges and/or sight and hearing disabilities.
Apartments offer large living spaces; kitchens with ENERGY STAR appliances, including dishwashers and microwaves; and washer/dryer hookups. Interiors feature attractive finishes, quality cabinetry, and luxury vinyl tile flooring. Community amenities include a community room with kitchenette and management office for an onsite community manager. A COTA bus stop is located nearby. The Enclave on Main was certified LEED Gold which demonstrates its excellent energy efficiency.
There is also a dedicated space for assisting residents with supportive services, such as case management, workforce development and employment training, emergency assistance, financial literacy, and more coordinated by co-developer IMPACT Community Action.
“At a time when Central Ohio’s population growth is outpacing housing development, creating a serious deficit in affordable housing, we are proud to partner with Woda Cooper Companies as Co-developer of The Enclave on Main,” said Robert “Bo” Chilton, CEO of IMPACT Community Action. “This project will bring 102 much-needed units of quality housing to the Whitehall community—a community that continues to invest in its future, grow with intention, and lead with innovation.”
Strong partnerships behind The Enclave on Main
Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) provided multilayered support through the allocation of 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and soft funds to the development through its Bond Gap Financing Program. In addition, OHFA issued a tax-exempt bond to support construction financing, along with an equity bridge loan. Alliant Capital invested in the tax credits to provide equity financing.
“What an exciting day for all those involved in the development of the Enclave on Main. And, to the residents, welcome home. This 102-unit development provides new, affordable housing opportunities to residents here in Whitehall,” said Matt Sutter, Senior Director of Housing Programs at the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. “Developments like this one would not be possible without strong partnerships. Together, along with city and county leadership, we’re bringing these developments to life and creating safe, affordable housing opportunities, not only here in central Ohio but across our state.”
Other financing support came from CF Bank, who provided the first permanent mortgage and construction loan. The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus & Franklin County (AHT) provided a permanent loan and equity bridge loan. The development also benefited from Brownfield Redevelopment Funds via the Ohio Department of Development and a sales tax exemption via the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority.
“We appreciate the excellent collaboration with Franklin County, the City of Whitehall leaders, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, and all of our partners in The Enclave on Main which will provide an excellent new housing option for residents of Whitehall,” said Jeffrey J. Woda, Founder of Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Architecture and structural engineering were performed by New Avenue Architects & Engineers. American Structure Point is civil engineer and sustainability consultant is Sol Design + Consulting. Woda Construction Inc. is 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 380-258-5262.
