Columbus' 'oldest neighborhood' getting over 200 new apartments

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A project worth millions is expected to bring over 200 apartments to Franklinton by 2026.

The River & Rich apartments will soon be expanded with its second phase, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority announced Tuesday. Called "Westrich," it will be built on the vacant land neighboring River & Rich, which is located at 401 W. Rich St.

With a $70 million price tag, the development will have 234 units across two buildings. One is a four-story, residential building with 114 units, and the other is a five-story, mixed-use building with 120 apartments and 8,000 square feet of first-floor commercial space. A garage and surface lot on the property will combine for a total of 229 parking spaces.

Westrich's 234 apartments will include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio-style units. Most of them will be targeted at residents earning below 100% of the area median income -- $69,500 for a one-person household and $99,200 for a four-person household -- or below 80% of the area median income -- $55,550 for a one-person household and $79,350 for a four-person household.

“It’s going to breathe new life into the historically oldest neighborhood in Columbus,” CMHA President and CEO Charles Hillman said. “Equally important, it will provide housing to wage-earners at a range of income levels that Columbus desperately needs.”

The mixed-use building will have an amenity deck on its second floor with space to rest, socialize and work. A grilling area and fire pit, resort-style pool, televisions and more will be found on the outdoor deck.

Construction on the project has already begun, with the Franklinton apartments expected to open in 2026. Columbus-based developer CASTO Communities has been tapped to work on it.

The majority of construction costs are covered by $47.2 million in bonds from the CMHA. Westrich is part of CMHA's plan to help continue the "economic revitalization" of Franklinton.

The CMHA said a third phase of the development could be introduced at a later date.