COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) is moving forward with the sale of vacant land just north of its Shepard Branch at 850 N. Nelson Rd. to Homeport, a local, nonprofit affordable housing developer. The final sale price is $480,000, which will be added to CML’s Capital Projects Fund.
“We believe this location is prime for redevelopment,” said CML CEO Lauren Hagan. “It presents a unique opportunity to meet a critical community need – more affordable housing.”
In October 2024, CML issued a public Request for Proposal (RFP) to invite prospective developers to submit proposals for constructing affordable housing on two vacant tracts located at the corner of North Nelson Road and Ridgeway Avenue.
In May 2025, CML’s seven-member Board of Trustees approved CML’s recommendation of Homeport’s proposal for the land. CML leaders hope to finalize the sale in the coming months. Homeport leaders plan to work with community organizations on the development’s design. They plan to offer homes for sale and rent on the site.
“We’re excited to work on this project and provide more affordable housing,” said Leah F. Evans, Homeport president & CEO. “We credit Columbus Metropolitan Library for thinking broadly about the community’s needs.”
CML originally purchased the land in 2013 for the construction of its Shepard Branch, which opened in 2016.
In February 2025, CML and Columbus Recreation and Parks announced a collaboration that will transform a portion of the Alum Creek Trail alongside the Shepard Branch into an interactive park highlighting its historical significance along the Underground Railroad. Homeport is the leading nonprofit developer of affordable housing in central Ohio. Having served the area since 1987, Homeport owns 3,000 affordable rental apartments and homes in 47 communities. Our 6,500 residents, families, and seniors can access a broad range of services, from after-school programming to emergency assistance for rent and utilities. Homeport partnerships also link our residents to food, furniture, employment assistance, and medical and mental health services. Homeport is also the largest provider of homebuyer education, down payment assistance, and budget and credit counseling for central Ohio. Homeport is committed to closing the housing gap for low-to-moderate income individuals, families, and seniors, with special emphasis on residents making less than 60 percent of the area median income, which is $61,980 for a family of four in Franklin County.
