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Port Creating A 'Super Block' in Walnut Hills

The corner of Morgan and Copelen in Walnut Hills is being transformed with pre-fabricated houses and renovation to existing homes.
Ann Thompson
/
WVXU
The corner of Morgan and Copelen in Walnut Hills is being transformed with pre-fabricated houses and renovation to existing homes.

The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority, in cooperation with Walnut Hills residents, is creating a kind of "super block" at Morgan and Copelen. Three pre-finished modular homes will be delivered November 29 weather permitting. Across the street three existing homes will be rehabbed.

The pre-fabricated homes are already for sale through Coldwell Banker
Credit Ann Thompson / WVXU
/
WVXU
The pre-fabricated homes are already for sale through Coldwell Banker

The Port's Executive Vice President Darin Hall says Walnut Hills residents are buying into the plan. "We are doing development that is with the neighborhood for the neighborhood's good and we are not a gentrifying force."

The Walnut Hills master plan identified the southwest quadrant (Morgan and Copelen) as a location that could use some reinvestment.

On Friday, construction workers were preparing the foundation for the modular homes built by Unibuit in Vandalia. Gail Paul, Director of Communication Strategy with the Port, said Walnut Hills business district used to be known as the "second downtown."

She says, "I think their (Walnut Hills) plans are really informed by some of that energy of the past but really looking to provide different... kinds of solutions for people who want to live here and people that have lived here for a long time. So, we're following that vibe."

This home on Morgan is one of three the Port Authority owns and it will be renovated next year.
Credit Ann Thompson / WVXU
/
WVXU
This home on Morgan is one of three the Port Authority owns and it will be renovated next year.

Part of the Port's REACH plan (Rehab Across Cincinnati and Hamilton County) is to invest in one neighborhood a year. They are already working in Bond Hill/Roselawn and Evanston.

Copyright 2021 91.7 WVXU. To see more, visit 91.7 WVXU.

With more than 30 years of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market, Ann Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting. She has reported for WKRC, WCKY, WHIO-TV, Metro Networks and CBS/ABC Radio. Her work has been recognized by the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2019 and 2011 A-P named her “Best Reporter” for large market radio in Ohio. She has won awards from the Association of Women in Communications and the Alliance for Women in Media. Ann reports regularly on science and technology in Focus on Technology.