Somehow a conclusion was made that renovating part of The Ridges main building was the perfect location for low income housing. What a pie-in-the-sky conclusion as its uncomfortable enough to be living full time at a renovated mental hospital known for its ghost stories when its also almost unwalkable from any shops and services. A much better idea would be to take some of that land the university owns out on West Union and offer to financially assist the building of new low income housing around there. This way they could easily walk to a grocery store and laundry mat ect. if they don't have a car. If the need is a public-private partnership to have the money to renovate why not revisit the hotel with suites idea that could host accommodate visiting profs and bring a boutique hotel into Athens.

https://www.athensnews.com/news/campus/ou-contemplates-ho...

Thanks for the link. In reading the article it sounds like this would be developed using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program most often administered by Ohio Capital Corporation For Housing. It’s also possible they may consider applying for historic building tax credits. There aren’t a lot of these kinds of projects being developed in southeastern Ohio using LIHTC. So, there’s a strong possibility that it could get the grant and low interest funding to make it work. The tenants come with a housing subsidy and that is attractive in meeting occupancy requirements. The challenge you note around access to shopping/services would need to be addressed. Grants from foundations and contracts with aging services providers may help with that element.

Athens recently created an affordable housing commission so this may play right into that. For those removed from Athens, housing costs are astronomical compared to the rest of Ohio - both rents and mortgages.

https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/ohio/athens