Nationwide Children's buys former Catholic church site, plans to create affordable housing
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus closed Corpus Christi Catholic Church on East Stewart Avenue in 2023, as part of a broad reorganization and closure of churches.
But, on July 24, the nonprofit Healthy Homes purchased if for about $1.2 million from St. Mary, Mother of God Catholic Church in German Village. Healthy Homes plans to demolish the church building and construct housing on the five-acre property.
"We're excited to look forward to what the options are in terms of what we can bring online and I think hopefully in 2027 be breaking ground on something really amazing," said Gretchen West, executive director of Healthy Homes.
Healthy Homes, founded in 2008, works to create more affordable housing in Columbus, primarily on the South Side and in Linden. It is a collaboration between Nationwide Children's Hospital and Community Development for All People and offers rental properties and home ownership at below-market rates; builds homes on existing lots; and gives grants for residents to make home repairs.
Why did Corpus Christi Catholic Church close?
Built in 1951, the church building at 1111 E. Stewart Ave. housed the parish until it was closed in July 2023, with parishioners from Corpus Christi and St. Ladislas Church sent to St. Mary Catholic Church in German Village.
At the time, the Diocese noted fewer parishioners, less attendance at Mass and a shortage of priests among reasons for the closure.
The diocese sold the church to Healthy Homes due to its belief in the virtue of charity to love God and neighbor, said Jason Mays, diocese spokesman.
"The Catholic Church has viewed housing as a basic human right," Mays said. "This is shown in our belief of the human person and the responsibility of society to protect the life and dignity of every person by providing conditions where human life and dignity are enhanced."
The diocese and St. Mary's believe the property should be used to improve community health, especially for those who live nearby, Mays said.
"St. Mary's is thrilled with the continued partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital and believes that, like the former Corpus Christi Church, the property will continue to impact families positively of the South end of Columbus for many years to come," Mays said.
Still, the church closure was painful for local residents, said Ted Welch, president of the Edgewood Civic Organization, which covers the area near the church.
"It's a scar right now," Welch said, of the church land. It was more than a church to residents, as it also hosted Easter Egg hunts, community meetings, National Night Out, Christmas concerts and more, he said.
Columbus Bishop Rev. Earl Fernandes said in the sales contract that not a brick of the original footprint could remain, Welch said, which caused pain for community members hoping to establish parts of it as a community center.
The diocese said the level of asbestos in the church building means it needs to be demolished.
But, residents still have hope for the space and are happy that Healthy Homes purchased it, Welch said.
'A healing time for the community'
Demolition of the original buildings will likely take place this year, West said, with hopes for construction of housing to begin in 2027.
Healthy Homes plans to work with community members as it develops plans for the site, and Welch said residents are keeping an open mind.
"We're willing and interested and hopeful in working with them that this can be a healing time for the community," he said. "I'm looking for a way to begin healing where the former church property can become kind of a shining light on the hill."
While the project is in the early planning phase, the vision for redevelopment of the site includes affordable multi-family rental units and homeownership opportunities to help keep area residents from being priced out of their community, West said.
The project is important because it relates back to Nationwide Children's mission to help children be healthier, West said.
"We know that housing, especially safe, quality, affordable housing, plays a vital role in children's health," she said.
As for the new land purchased, West said: "It's just a really exciting opportunity."
Underserved Communities Reporter Danae King can be reached at dking@dispatch.com or on X at @DanaeKing.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Shuttered Catholic church site soon to be home to affordable housing
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