Reviving Sedamsville

HomeBase met Sedamsville shortly after the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority closed on the acquisition of the Klosterman portfolio, totaling 65 parcels of both vacant land and existing structures. The overwhelming state of the properties kickstarted conversations about how to move forward. What would be the best plan of action to encourage long-term homeownership and how do we keep the desires of the neighborhood at the forefront of any development? This led to the first and biggest HomeBase project in the neighborhood – the ongoing housing study, performed by Urban Partners Development Planning, a Philadelphia-based economic development consulting practice with a 43-year track record.

After issuing an RFP, HomeBase, and the Port unanimously agreed that Urban Partners were the best choice out of the robust list of proposals submitted to HomeBase. Throughout the rest of this year, the firm is researching and preparing a development strategy for the entire Klosterman Portfolio. On the ground, HomeBase has been working to set up interviews with stakeholders in the Sedamsville community, including members of the Civic Association, the Dream Center Cincinnati, Price Hill Will, Santa Maria, and a variety of community liaisons and property owners. 

The housing study is happening simultaneously to the Port stabilizing much of the newly acquired properties, the ongoing rehabilitation of the historic pavilion in Boldface Park, and a $3.9 million street reconstruction and traffic calming project on Fairbanks and Delhi Ave. Not to mention all that’s been happening inside the walls of the Dream Center, where the Sedamsville Civic Association holds its monthly meetings.

HomeBase staff has been regularly attending these meetings since we came on, and the board has made us feel nothing but welcome. We have offered our services in several ways, including designing a new website for SCA, whereas they previously did not have one. This is being launched at the same time as new community listening cards, designed by HomeBase’s staff. The listening cards, now stationed at several neighborhood centers, are designed to allow members to anonymously voice their opinions on what types of changes they would like to see in the neighborhood, and how the SCA can encourage more attendance at meetings. Overall, the capacity being built in this neighborhood is more than outstanding.

Amidst the commotion, HomeBase wanted to make sure that Sedamsville took a moment to celebrate themselves – and what better way to celebrate than with ice cream? The moment the Sedamsville Civic Association mentioned the idea of an ice cream social, HomeBase was immediately on board to help manage the project.

This is the perfect opportunity for neighborhood residents to meet some of the folks doing the work around them, and to get even more feedback on how SCA can be even more of an asset to the community. HomeBase staff has taken the lead on much of the promotion, including designing flyers and yard signs that are standing tall around the neighborhood. We’ll also be at the event serving free ice cream to the community, courtesy of the Civic Association.

HomeBase is truly proud to work so closely in such a welcoming neighborhood and to have established this connection. SCA Secretary and owner of Firehouse Nursery, Herb Kohls, took a moment to reflect with us on the last few months:

"The Sedamsville Civic Association is ecstatic to be working with HomeBase. From the digital elements like the website, event flyers, and t-shirt designs to their leadership in our Ice Cream Social and housing study, we are beyond grateful to be working with an organization that we truly feel wants to give the biggest impact to Sedamsville it can." 

HomeBase Cincinnati seeks to “lift as we climb,” and we hope to see many years of partnership and growth in Sedamsville, starting with the completion of these ongoing projects and the highly anticipated Ice Cream Social, taking place September 9th.