History of the KHDC

Building on decades of urban redevelopment, the Kennedy Heights Development Corporation (KHDC) was established in 2007 and tasked with several key neighborhood projects, including the Kennedy Heights Cultural Center and senior housing initiatives.

The predecessor organization of today’s KHDC, the Kennedy Heights Urban Redevelopment Corporation (KHURC), was originally incorporated as a non-profit organization as an offshoot of the Kennedy Heights Community Council. KHURC borrowed money to acquire several residences at sheriff’s sales, rehabbed them and sold them. The KHURC then repaid all loans and went dormant in 1982.

Twenty-five years later, in 2007, at the suggestion of the City of Cincinnati’s Community Development Department, and with leadership from the KHCC, KHURC was reestablished and renamed the KHDC.  

KHDC’s initial focus was abandoned and foreclosed housing. When it became known that the Cincinnati Art Museum was looking for a site for community outreach and storage and the Kennedy Heights Montessori Center was looking for a new and expanded home, the KHDC envisioned its current cultural campus. The vacant former Kroger store at the corner of Kennedy and Montgomery became available for purchase and has since been transformed into the Kennedy Heights Cultural Campus

Among the KHDC’s past accomplishments are:

  • Rehabilitation and resale of four homes in Kennedy Heights
  • Obtaining of independent 501c3 recognition
  • Completion of Kennedy Heights Cultural Campus development
  • Through Cincinnati Development Corporation Association funding, hiring of a director to work on initiatives, recruit new businesses and activate community engagement

Our Mission

Rooted in a history of welcoming all people, Kennedy Heights Development Corporation is dedicated to growing a neighborhood where residents, businesses and community thrive.

 

Cultivating change.

Growing community. 

 

 

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