The interior renovations include installation of new carpeting and tile, new appliances including oven/range, refrigerator, dishwasher & disposal, installation of new kitchen cabinets and sink, replacement of all windows & doors, replacement of bathroom fixtures, sink tops and vanities and replacement of all switches, outlets and smoke-detectors. A new hot-water heater will also be installed. All units will be freshly painted. New roofing, siding and trim will renovate the exterior of all buildings. Additional insulation will offer increased energy efficiency and sound barriers. All driveways and walks will be patched, repaired and resurfaced. New trash areas, as well as four additional play areas will be added. A Community Center will be renovated for residents to use for special occasions and social events. A brand-new Channelwood Village will exist upon completion of the rebirth development.

Akron Mayor, Donald Plusquellic recently commented, "The City of Akron is pleased to support the efforts of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. to rehabilitate 274 family apartments in Channelwood Village. Its rehabilitation is critical to the continued success of the Opportunity Park Urban Renewal Area."

The development team includes the Developer/Supportive Services: Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc.; General Contractor: Testa Builders; Architect: The Hecky Group; Property Management: East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation; Housing Consultant: Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing.

Financing for this development has come from a variety of sources including the City of Akron, the State of Ohio, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Housing Trust Fund, Ohio Equity Fund-Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity, The Enterprise Foundation and Forest City Capital Corporation mortgagee of an FHA insured loan. The total acquisition and renovation cost for the development is 17.5 million dollars.

Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. acquired urban renewal land south of downtown Akron to develop Channelwood Village in 1972. The development was financed through the FHA Section 236-loan program. Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. is a non-profit housing development and management corporation formed in 1966 by the membership of Eta Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. is also responsible three other adjacent developments; Williams Tower, a 148 unit senior housing building, The Landings at Canal Park, a 156 unit condominium development and The Townhomes at Canal Park, a 50 unit condominium development nearing completion. Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. developed and operates over 1500 apartments in Northeast Ohio and Chicago, Illinois.

While community service is a hallmark of all Alpha Chapters, Eta Tau Lambda Chapter through Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. has been the pioneer in non-profit development and management of affordable housing for low and moderate-income families and elderly.

Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge James R. Williams, Principal Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. said, "For 30 years Channelwood Village has provided outstanding housing opportunities for families in the greater Akron area. The 274-unit development was originally constructed to provide suitable housing for low to moderate-income families. Through Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc.’s vision we continue to accept the challenge of providing a renewed mixed income community for the working family to call home."

Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc., Board Chairman, Dr. Sylvester Small adds, "Through the renovation of Channelwood Village, Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. continues to provide affordable housing for the Akron area. Our commitment to house needy and working families, demonstrates that through hard work and sincere dedication our mixed income community will make Channelwood Village a place you would like to call home."

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Photos available upon request.