CHN Housing Partners (CHN), EDEN and Mayor Jack Bradley gathered with funders, partners and community members today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Broadway Commons in Lorain. Broadway Commons, a 62-unit new construction building, will provide affordable housing to veterans and individuals at risk of homelessness.  

“We are thrilled to break ground on Broadway Commons, marking our first new construction multi-family building in Lorain,” said Kevin Nowak, president and CEO of CHN. “Broadway Commons is not just a building; it is an investment in the revitalization of the Broadway Corridor, which provides stability and opportunity for 62 community members and veterans.”  

Broadway Commons is a nearly $21 million investment in Lorain. The development is funded primarily through a 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit Award from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Funders also include Enterprise Community Partners, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Fifth Third Bank, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (formerly known as Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services), the Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County and the Nord Family Foundation. VASH vouchers for the 12 units reserved for veterans will be provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Vouchers for the remaining units will be provided by Raise Up. 

“We are not simply breaking ground for a building; we are laying a foundation for hope, dignity, and opportunity in our city,” said Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley. “Broadway Commons represents the belief that every person in our community deserves a safe place to call home and the support needed to build a brighter future. We will remember this development as not just a roof and walls, but as a pathway to stability, independence, and community. Kindness is not measured by how those with the most are treated but by how care is given to those facing the greatest challenges.” 

Located at 2147 Broadway Avenue, Broadway Commons will be built in the Broadway Corridor, a main throughfare in Lorain. In addition to repurposing vacant lots, Broadway Commons will act as a catalyst for development and provide a substation for the Lorain Police Department.  

“Broadway Commons is a commitment to providing affordable housing and supportive services that Lorain’s veterans and community members deserve,” said Elaine Gimmel, EDEN’s executive director. “We are excited to break ground and bring Broadway Commons to life.” 

The four-story, approximately 54,000-square-foot building will consist of one-bedroom units. Common areas provided will include a community room with a kitchen, a computer room, bike storage, laundry facilities, a patio and an on-site property management office.  

“Broadway Commons is an important development for our city,” said Lorain City Council President, Joel Arredondo. “I look forward to seeing it both serve our fellow Lorain residents and catalyze development in the Broadway Corridor.”  

Broadway Commons will combine affordable, stable housing with supportive services to empower residents to achieve their goals. Supportive services will include case management services, life skills training, mental health counseling, job training, health services and off-site service coordination. Service partners include the VA, Humility of Mary Housing and Riveon Mental Health & Recovery.  

“Broadway Commons has been a priority for the MHARS Board for a few years, and we are happy to see it finally break ground,” said Michael Doud, executive director of the MHARS Board of Lorain County. “We commend everyone involved for taking this important step towards serving our community members.”  

CHN and EDEN are co-owners and developers of Broadway Commons. CHN will serve as the general contractor and property manager. Hiti, DiFrancesco and Siebold is the architect for the development.

Broadway Commons is expected to finish construction and begin leasing in the fall of 2027.