Background
By 2010, the Eden of Reynoldsburg apartments had reached the brink of destruction. Once intended as a vibrant housing option, the property had fallen into extreme disrepair under previous ownership. All 126 apartment units were boarded up and condemned, the complex had become uninhabitable, and the City planned to bulldoze the entire site.
The situation was compounded by scandal; the former owner was imprisoned for misappropriating development funds. This left the property abandoned, unsafe, and with no clear path forward. The biggest losers in this crisis were the residents who had once relied on Eden for affordable housing in an area with limited options.
The Challenge
When we first evaluated the property, the conditions were dire:
- All 126 apartment units condemned by the city
- No heat in any buildings
- Over 100 frozen and burst pipes with water damage throughout
- Structural deterioration across all 126 apartment units, including collapsing balconies
- Rental office closed and community support services absent
- Major renovations that included cleaning up exposed wiring, a slime filled swimming pool, and infestations throughout
The death knell came when a second-story walkway collapsed, spraying debris everywhere. The City immediately condemned the property and gave everyone a twenty-four-hour eviction notice.
The City’s plan to bulldoze the property meant the permanent loss of affordable housing units in Reynoldsburg—a devastating blow to an already underserved population.
The Turning Point
Instead of watching the property be destroyed, 5812 Investment Group requested a meeting with the City. We proposed an alternative: give us 18 months to completely rehabilitate Eden of Reynoldsburg.
To demonstrate our commitment, we placed substantial cash in escrow, which the City could keep if we failed to meet our deadline. The City agreed, giving us the chance to prove we could restore the property.
The Process: Eighteen Months to Transformation
The restoration was both extensive and urgent:
Securing and Stabilizing the Property
Addressed all safety hazards, halted further water damage, and began urgent structural repairs. This included replacing all balconies due to deterioration.
Full Systems Replacement
Installed new heating systems, repaired/replaced plumbing, and ensured all electrical systems were up to code.
Reconfiguring Units
Converted layouts from exclusively two-bedroom apartments into a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom unit sizes, giving residents more choice.
Modern Amenities
Added in-unit washer/dryer hookups to every apartment to improve livability and convenience.
Reopening the Rental Office
Reestablished a staffed office for residents, bringing back a sense of community presence and support.
Comprehensive Renovation
Repaired or replaced all structural issues, modernized interiors, and improved curb appeal.
Turning Condemned into Community
By project completion, Eden of Reynoldsburg was transformed from a condemned hazard into a safe, functional, and desirable housing option for renters in Southeast Columbus.
The rehabilitation preserved 126 affordable apartment units in a high-need area, preventing their permanent loss and ensuring continued access for residents. By transforming condemned buildings into safe, modernized homes with improved floorplan options, the project significantly enhanced residents’ quality of life.
New amenities, including in-unit laundry and a staffed rental office, added daily convenience and better service, while the overall revitalization restored pride, stability, and a renewed sense of community to the neighborhood.
When Demolition Loomed, We Built a Future Instead
The Eden of Reynoldsburg project demonstrates how strategic investment, partnership with local leadership, and a commitment to community revitalization can save a property on the verge of destruction.
“A little piece of Eden”
“The six buildings are reopening under new management, 5812 Investment Group, formerly known as New Life Properties of Ohio, and after rehab work that a city inspector called ‘shockingly good,’ said Jed Hood, Reynoldsburg law director.”