'Moving Ohio Forward' Brings New Hope To Evanston

Crowd Of Hundreds Cheers For Demolition Of Crime-Ridden Apartments

Long-awaited progress finally happened today at the demolition of the St. Leger apartments in Evanston. Originally built in 1905, the mammoth building had 81 apartments and was located at the center of Evanston, known as the Five Points because of the five streets that intersect there. This pivotal location is undergoing significant transformation and the community is embracing exciting progress in the area.

"Demolition of the St. Leger is the end of an era of crime, violence and disorder," said Vice Mayor Roxanne Qualls. "We’re finally closing the door on that past, and opening the door to revitalization and investment in the great neighborhood of Evanston."

"Today’s demolition is a huge step toward our vision of growing Evanston into thriving, healthy community once again," said Anzora Adkins, President, Evanston Community Council.

This demolition is part of the Moving Ohio Forward program, working together with the City’s continuing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods. In partnership with the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority, City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, State of Ohio, Moving Ohio Forward is demolishing blighted buildings to make way for reinvestment.

"Removing dangerous properties to enable redevelopment and restore safety to neighborhoods is precisely what the Hamilton County Commissioners had in mind when they created the Land Bank," according to Laura Brunner, President & CEO of the Port, which manages the Hamilton County Land Bank. "Through the great work of many partners we have a better understanding of how we can be smart about investing resources for big results in neighborhoods like Evanston."

Also announced today is the new development slated for this site. Named the St. Ambrose  Apartments after the Patron Saint of Learning -- to honor Evanston’s reputation as the educating community -- this new development will consist of 26 new townhouses and flats. The buildings will contain one-, two- and three-bedroom units and will be affordable to families. St. Ambrose Apartments will also be LEED certified, ensuring lower utility bills through energy-efficient systems, and healthier indoor air quality. The Model Group is the developer. Completion is anticipated in the summer of 2014.