CHN Housing Partners Celebrates the Ribbon Cutting for Arch at Saint Michael

CHN Housing Partners (CHN) was joined by funders, partners and community members on September 3 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Arch at Saint Michael, a redevelopment of the former Central Catholic school and convent. The redeveloped building created 46 apartment units for low-income seniors.  

"Arch at Saint Michael is an iconic landmark in Clark-Fulton, and it was CHN's honor to bring new life to the former Central Catholic school and convent," said Kevin Nowak, CHN's president and CEO. "We are incredibly grateful to all of the funders and partners who made Arch at Saint Michael possible and are happy to welcome our residents home."  

A nearly $28-million investment in preserving the iconic Clark-Fulton landmark, the Arch at Saint Michael is primarily funded by a 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Additional funding was provided by Cuyahoga County, City of Cleveland, HUD 202 Capital Advance and Project Rental Assistance, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Finance Fund, as well as federal and state historic tax credits. KeyBank is the construction lender, and the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing is the tax credit syndicator.  

“Arch at Saint Michael represents the kind of investment that moves Cleveland forward, honoring the history and character of our neighborhoods while creating new opportunities for our residents," said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. "Every Clevelander deserves to age with dignity in a safe, affordable place they can call home. I’m proud that this important Clark-Fulton landmark has been preserved and given new purpose as a home for 46 seniors, ensuring it remains a part of this community for generations to come.” 

The Arch at Saint Michael is a green adaptive reuse of the former Central Catholic School, located on Scranton Road. The development also converted the nearby convent on Prame Avenue into senior housing. Built in the early 1900s, the buildings were designed by French architect Emile Uhlrich. Associated with ethnic heritage and the growth of the German community in the southside neighborhoods, the former Central Catholic School is an iconic landmark in Clark-Fulton. 

"I am happy to welcome Arch at Saint Michael residents home and am grateful for the work CHN and partners did to make this possible," said Ward 14 Councilwoman, Jasmin Santana. "Today is a day that shows what matters to us here in Clark-Fulton, taking care of our seniors and our history. Through the conversion of Arch at Saint Michael into 46 units of senior living, we provide our seniors with a safe, affordable home where they can age with dignity and maintain a gorgeous landmark reminding us of the rich history in Ward 14." 

The Arch at Saint Michael provides high-quality, safe and affordable independent living to seniors making 31% to 50% of the area median income. The development is fully leased.  

“The Arch at Saint Michael shows what's possible when we invest in our neighborhoods," said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. "Now more than ever, we need safe, affordable housing for our seniors, and this project fulfills that need in Clark-Fulton while preserving the rich history that makes Cuyahoga County so special. It's a win for our seniors and the entire community.” 

Hiti, DiFrancesco and Siebold served as the architect and John G. Johnson Construction Company served as the general contractor.