Harkavy Hall—Historic Rehabilitation in Over-the-Rhine

On June 11, 2009, the development team for Harkavy Hall celebrated the grand opening of this historic rehabilitation property. Originally built in the 1880’s as the Republic Hotel, Harkavy Hall will provide housing with services to 30 individuals who are homeless and have histories of severe and persistent emotional and / or mental disabilities. Owned and operated by Tender Mercies, Inc. for nearly 20 years, Harkavy Hall was last rehabilitated in 1988. The building exterior was in excellent condition, but the interior was dated and obsolete—lacking an elevator, air conditioning and accessible units. The architectural plan essentially called for the demolition of the building from within, saving the shell, and reconstructing a new, accessible, modern, green building inside the historic brick envelope. Interior historic details were retained, including original woodwork where possible.

Located in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine community, Harkavy Hall is part of a six building campus. Tender Mercies has been providing supportive housing for over 24 years. Their manner of service is dependent on an active board of directors and an army of volunteers. Each day, on the Tender Mercies campus, volunteers deliver and serve at least one hot meal. Harkavy Hall also features a ‘snack shack’ to offer convenience items at cost to residents. Harkavy Hall does not receive operating subsidies, so the staff of Tender Mercies work diligently with individual residents to ensure all benefits are received and managed appropriately. This includes the process of applying for and receiving social security. In the interim, an endowment provides assistance to residents who need help paying their rent.

The financing for the rehabilitation of Harkavy Hall exhibits the fundraising prowess of this successful non-profit service provider. The construction loan was provided by National City Bank, who also partnered with the development team to apply for Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati Affordable Housing Program grant funds. Permanent financing includes the sale of Low Income Housing Tax Credits awarded by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to the 5/3 OEF Fund for Housing and the Ohio Equity Fund for Housing XVII. Other sources of financing include gap financing awarded by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the Mayerson Foundation and deferred developer fees.

Frank Harkavy, former president of the Board of Directors, was represented at the grand opening by three generations of his family. The building is dedicated to his spirit of compassion and commitment to those in need. Harkavy Hall also represents the most dramatic capital improvement project ever undertaken by Tender Mercies, and it was completed on time and on budget. Our congratulations to the Board of Directors, staff, residents, funders, volunteers and community members.