'Heart' of English Woods razed

The former English Woods management and maintenance building has been razed, marking the end of an era in Cincinnati public housing history.

Built in 1942 to house families of military personnel and containing 717 units in 82 buildings, the complex officially closed in fall 2005 after Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) estimated it would cost $92 million to repair major electrical, structural, and plumbing problems.

A resident plan to spend $17,000 per unit on repairs failed to meet U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development standards and City codes, as was a plan to have the City buy the complex from CHMA and sell it to the residents for $1.

At the time of its closing, fewer than 100 apartments were occupied.

CMHA continues to operate approximately 250 apartments at Marquette Manor, a 15-story senior apartment tower, and Sutter View, a family community of one- to four-bedroom apartments and townhomes.

There are no plans for redevelopment of the 60-acre site.

Previous reading on BC:
English Woods photo update, 8/2/08 (8/6/08)