Opportunity Pointe affordable housing complex moving forward with approval of tax credits
Campus News | Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Woda Cooper Companies development includes 166 units of workforce housing, plus 20 units for Columbus State students
The Opportunity Pointe affordable housing complex, which will include 166 units of workforce housing and 20 dedicated units for Columbus State Community College students, has achieved a major milestone with the award of federal tax credits.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) on May 21 awarded Woda Cooper 9% tax credits for each of the two phases of Opportunity Pointe, which will be built along Cleveland Avenue in downtown Columbus. The project, originally announced in March 2024, is a unique public-private partnership designed to expand affordable housing options in the neighborhood adjacent to the Columbus State campus.
Construction of the project, including demolition of existing buildings on the site, is expected to begin within the second quarter of 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of 2027. Total project costs are estimated at $54 million.
The complex will be developed through a joint venture of Woda Cooper and Columbus State Community Partners, the college’s independent real estate affiliate. Through a long-term land lease, Community Partners has contributed most of the land for the project, which will be located on a block bordered by Cleveland and North Grant Avenue and East Spring and East Long Streets.
“It’s great to see this worthwhile project get the tax credit support it needs to become a reality,” said Zachary Woodruff, executive director of Columbus State Community Partners. “This is an important first step for Columbus State Community Partners in facilitating complementary development opportunities surrounding our downtown campus.”
Woda Cooper owns and operates more than 365 properties and 18,000 housing units in 17 states across the country, including 30 properties in central Ohio or nearly 100 across Ohio. It consistently ranks among the top affordable housing developers and owners in the country by Affordable Housing Finance magazine.
“Working with Columbus State has provided a great opportunity to build on our mutual vision, combined expertise, and resources to address the need for quality affordable housing that matches the city of Columbus’s vision to increase housing options downtown,” said Jeffrey J. Woda, founder of Woda Cooper. “We are excited to build Opportunity Pointe I and II, which will provide 166 much-needed affordable housing units close to jobs, transportation, and community amenities, and we are thrilled that there will be 20 homes dedicated for students close to the Columbus State campus.”
Per unit rents would be priced at varying rates based on income eligibility, ranging from $365-$995 for a one-bedroom, $410-$1,175 for a two-bedroom, and $440-$1,295 for a three-bedroom.
Columbus State Community Partners, authorized in 2019 by the college Board of Trustees, is governed by select representatives from its board, the Columbus State Foundation board and representatives from the local real estate industry.
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