04/02/2025
It came down to the wire, but yesterday we successfully obtained our first Certificate of Occupancy and welcomed the first two tenants to McCracken Avenue Apartments at 217 W. 13th Street in Newport.
This project had it all. At acquisition in September of 2022, the building was widely known as a haven for prostitution, drug deals and 911 calls. After appearances at both the City of Newport Board of Adjustment and Campbell County Circuit Court, including a delay in the start of construction by 16 months, we began to rehabilitate the six apartments within the building.
Construction was extensive: complete interior demolition; new apartment layouts; new plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire suppression systems; new windows and entry doors; and new private decks for each apartment on new concrete foundations.
The journey to welcoming new residents has been a long one; 34 months in all since the original purchase contract was executed.
But the day finally came yesterday that this unique, historic and quirky gem was returned to a productive use within our Northern Kentucky community.
This project is evidence that there is no substitute for determination and conviction in everything we do. We are incredibly proud of not only the result of our hard work, but also the fact that despite all of the hurdles, more people will have the opportunity to live comfortably and affordably in our local community.
Thank you to all of our partners and volunteers who made this project possible. There are too many to name here, but without you all, none of this would have been possible.
We are looking forward to filling the remaining available apartments in this building and taking on our next challenges. Onward and upward, together!
