Sandusky housing project gets support from state, big time
New construction up to 132 units for independent senior living to start soon
SANDUSKY — A developer was awarded $14.5 million in state grant money on Thursday — just days after the city gave final approval — to build a senior housing project off U.S. 250/Milan Road near the Butler Street ramp.
The developer also will build to specs address concerns some resident expressed earlier.
“We have made some commitments to the city that we’re going over detain due to some concerns and stormwater issues in the area,” said Pete Schwiegeraht, Senior vice president of development with the developer, Pivotal.
He said the company will “go the extra mile and make sure we are minimizing our impact on the area … we should be able to help, hopefully alleviate those as part of our project.”
The planned 5-story building will provide a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments for residents aged 55 and older, helping address the city’s growing need for affordable senior living options.
“Pivotal has been doing housing for 35 years. We developed and manage a portfolio that includes around 10,000 units scattered throughout about 10 states with a majority of our work is here in Ohio,” Schwiegeraht said. “We work to build and develop affordable housing options, senior independent living.”
The project will have roughly 132 units with below-market rents for households earning 80% of the area median income or less, making it accessible to retirees and seniors living on fixed incomes, he said.
Key features of the project include:
Fully accessible units and facilities built to national green building standards
On-site management and services, including transportation, meals and light housekeeping
Outdoor amenities such as walking trails, picnic shelters, community gardens, and a detention pond
Commitment to energy efficiency and environmentally conscious design
Infrastructure improvements to address local stormwater concerns
Funding and investment:
$1.25 million in Ohio housing tax credits, part of a 10-year $12.5 million allocation
$2 million in Ohio housing trust funds (one-time award)
Total project investment: approximately $35 million
About Pivotal:
35 years of experience in affordable housing development
Manages around 10,000 units across 10 states, mostly in Ohio
Works closely with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to develop senior independent living and workforce housing
Pivotal is the owner and manager at Reserve at Lakeview Landing in Huron, which has 45 units.
Schwiegeraht stressed that the development will fill a critical gap in senior housing in Sandusky while also being sensitive to the surrounding area. Amenities, energy-efficient construction, and site improvements are designed to enhance the neighborhood, not just the building itself.
Renderings of the facility are expected soon, offering a visual preview of the project’s layout and amenities. Pivotal said it plans to maintain high-quality, affordable housing standards for its residents while providing a safe, accessible, and engaging environment for seniors.
This development marks an important step toward improving housing options for older adults in Sandusky, combining modern design, environmental responsibility, and affordability to meet the needs of the city’s aging population.
