
The first multifamily development in Ohio to be built to Passive House Institute US standards is helping to enhance the lives of low-income seniors in Columbus’ historic Franklin Park neighborhood.
Developed by Woda Cooper Cos. and the East Columbus Development Co. (ECDC), the 54-unit Fairwood Commons embraces green building technologies, which benefit the senior residents.

“When you look at what a tenant pays with rent and utilities, a good portion is going toward utilities. With Passive House, you see substantial utility savings,” says Joseph McCabe, vice president of development at Woda Cooper. “It makes our tenants more stable, and it helps decrease the housing burden they have.”
Passive House design emphasizes an airtight building envelope to reduce the load for heating and cooling, which the development team created by using a full slab of insulation with a vapor barrier under the entire building. Other sustainable features include triple-pane windows, shading, high-efficiency heating and cooling and water heating systems, an energy recovery ventilation system, Energy Star appliances, and LED lighting.
The $12.2 million development also meets a critical need for seniors housing in a rapidly changing neighborhood. As Columbus has grown to become the nation’s 14th largest city so have the area’s housing costs. Fairwood Commons replaces a 2-acre site that previously was composed of four vacant, rundown houses and a warehouse.
The 54 units serve seniors 55 and older living at or below 30%, 50%, and 60% of the area median income. All homes are accessible to visitors, and 12 are fully wheelchair accessible with ADA bathrooms and kitchens. Two additional units are for residents with vision or hearing impairments. ECDC and LifeCare Alliance facilitate supportive services to help residents age in place.
“This really is an opportunity to provide housing for those in the neighborhood, especially as it is gentrifying,” adds McCabe.