HOUSING

Exciting progress is underway at Foster Senior Lofts!

We officially broke ground on May 1, 2025, launching an important new chapter in senior housing for Elyria. Phase one includes the demolition of the former Jefferson School, which is being carried out with care to ensure the safe removal of asbestos and other potentially harmful materials, following all environmental safety standards.

This site will make way for a 46-unit apartment community for residents aged 55 and older. Foster Senior Lofts will offer safe, modern, and affordable housing designed to support independent living for our seniors.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to provide a place our older residents can proudly call home—one that reflects the dignity, connection, and pride of our Elyria community.

We’re honored to partner with Pivotal Housing Partners on this transformative project and look forward to sharing more updates as construction progresses.

Thank you for supporting people-first development in Elyria!

One of the most important parts of the work of the Elyria Community Partnership will be to support the housing market in Elyria. Elyria is a city of many neighborhoods some of which qualify as low and moderate income census tracts. The Partnership will focus its efforts related to housing in these neighborhoods and will specifically consider communities that have more severe housing challenges and are adjacent to downtown.

As we continue shaping our housing strategy, we are engaged in a thoughtful planning process to explore how we can best support Elyria’s neighborhoods. Potential program areas under consideration include housing rehabilitation, model block initiatives, and home repair programs—all of which have been successfully implemented by peer community development organizations across the region.

Our goal is to expand access to safe, healthy, and quality housing at all income levels. In partnership with the City of Elyria—and, when possible, with the private sector—we hope to support reinvestment in existing homes and explore opportunities for new housing development on vacant lots, particularly in neighborhoods that are currently underserved.

We also recognize the value of collaboration. When possible, the Elyria Community Partnership seeks to work alongside high-capacity regional organizations like CHN Housing Partners and others that can bring additional resources, expertise, and long-term impact to our community.

Together, we can ensure Elyria remains a place where people not only live—but truly thrive.