Breaking Ground for More Older Adult Housing in Worthington

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Worthington City officials, members of Worthington Presbyterian Church, neighbors and supporters of National Church Residences’ new older adult community will lead a groundbreaking celebration on May 13, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the site of the new 85 apartments that will become The Hartford at Stafford Village.

“We are delighted to mark another milestone in the history and the future of Stafford Village,” said Reverend Dr. Tom Rice of Worthington Presbyterian Church, who was joined by Reverend Dr. Julia Wharff Piermont. “As our property manager, National Church Residences served us and our residents faithfully and respectfully for nearly five decades. When it came time for us to rethink how we support this mission, National Church Residences was our most obvious partner.”

“We are excited to report that The Hartford at Stafford Village should be complete by late 2022,” said President and CEO, Mark Ricketts of National Church Residences. “Worthington residents told us that they were interested in creating great living options for older adults of all incomes, as well as protecting affordable units. We’ll meet those commitments, creating wellappointed independent living apartments and a worry-free lifestyle for 55+ middle-income adults while also keeping 65 affordable units throughout all of Stafford Village.”

Worthington Mayor Scott Holmes and Worthington City Council Member Beth Kowalczyk added that, from the City’s perspective, National Church Residences listened and responded to community needs. After noting that his own father was an early volunteer at Stafford Village, Mayor Holmes said, “We are here today at this groundbreaking after a deliberative, thoughtful and respectful community dialogue between National Church Residences and the community about how to sustain and increase residential options for older adults at Stafford Village. Worthington is a beautiful community that began as a result of planning by its founders over 200 years ago. The construction now underway honors that legacy of careful planning.”

“It is fitting that this groundbreaking is happening during May, which is Older Americans Month. This new development is consistent with Worthington’s commitment to become an Age- Friendly community,” said Council Member Kowalczyk. “With two years of planning and significant community engagement and feedback, I appreciate how all stakeholders worked together to find the best solutions possible to address residents’ concerns and meet the city’s priorities.”

Edward Pauline, chair of the Worthington Community Relations Commission, noted that his organization endorsed the redevelopment of Stafford Village because they advocate for diversity and equity. “Worthington thrives and we all succeed when we are a community that welcomes and serves all ages and incomes,” he said. “We should be a place that celebrates our people at every stage of life and offers them homes that ‘fit.’ This site affirms those values.”

Mike Fitzpatrick, the president of Elford, the general contractor selected for this development emphasized his team’s commitment to transparency and accountability throughout construction. “We have been building great structures and real community for more than a century. This will be our third site with National Church Residences and, as always, we commit to high quality work done in a way that is least disruptive and very responsive to our neighbors.”

Fitzpatrick introduced Elford CEO Jim Smith and project manager Andrew Durant. He specifically noted that neighbors or residents with questions and concerns should contact Andrew at [email protected].

Matt Rule, senior vice president of development and construction for National Church Residences, expressed his organization’s deep appreciation to the community for their input and confidence throughout a three-year process involving more than a hundred conversations.

“You’ve allowed us to be neighbors for nearly 50 years and you stayed open and thoughtful throughout the planning process. We are honored and humbled, and we intend to do our utmost to continue to earn and merit your trust.”

All residents affected by the construction have transitioned to a new home with the help of support staff and $10,000 in relocation assistance. All who want to return at the same rent, can do so. Four residents already have shifted to apartments that came open on the north end of the community.

The site plan was developed by architects Brian Jones Studio and ph7 Architects. The estimated development costs for the site are $30 million, including 85 apartments, a parking garage, wellness center, bistro and community room. Each apartment will include a full suite of kitchen and laundry appliances and private terraces and all-inclusive monthly fees will cover all utilities, maintenance, and a variety of other amenities. The community will also be pet-friendly.

About National Church Residences
National Church Residences serves more than 42,000 seniors through its array of housing and health care services. The not-for-profit organization is driven by a vision of advancing better living for all seniors, enabling them to remain home for life. With 340 communities in 25 states, it is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. The organization also offers residential senior communities, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit us at NationalChurchResidences.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.