The city of Toledo, Ohio, is home to numerous neighborhoods, each possessing its own identity, history, and challenges. The Old South End stands out as a district rich in historical narratives, future aspirations, and residents yearning for renewal. The Historic South Initiative is at the forefront of this revitalization.

“The journey of the Historic South Initiative began with housing. Yet, it transcends mere structures. It’s about elevating the quality of life for families and children, providing crucial resources every step of the way,” comments Chris Amato, President and CEO of the Historic South Initiative.

History Meets Hope

The Old South End embodies the tenacity and spirit of Toledo. Once vibrant streets, bustling businesses, and close-knit communities have weathered economic downturns, industry shifts, and urban migration. These challenges have etched their mark on the neighborhood. Yet, the Historic South Initiative envisions a renewed Old South End, tailored to today’s families.

“The Old South End is a tapestry woven with rich history. Our job isn’t to erase its past but to blend it harmoniously with the present. Our vision has always been to rejuvenate its spirit while offering modern amenities and opportunities for its residents,” says Amato.

Purpose Built Communities

At the heart of the Historic South Initiative is the Purpose Built Communities model. This holistic blueprint underscores the significance of place, tapping into the symbiotic relationships between various pillars of community health.

The core belief is deceptively simple yet deeply insightful: prosperity is anchored in place. Comprehensive community transformation and resident welfare hinge on multi-faceted strategies. By adopting this model, the Historic South Initiative prioritizes:

1. Housing Rehabilitation: With a commitment exceeding $2 million since 2018, the aim is to refurbish homes and rejuvenate those beyond repair, all while preserving the area’s unique charm. Partnerships with the Land Bank and the City of Toledo Department of Neighborhoods provide pivotal support.
2. Education: Comprehensive child development is a top priority, facilitated by collaborations with local academic institutions. Care for Kids’ significant engagement with the Mosaic Early Learning Center and Queen of Apostles School embodies a commitment to well-rounded education. Amato shares, “Our alliance with Care for Kids exemplifies the power of collective effort. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in actualizing our educational vision.”
3. Community Wellness: The initiative collaborates with established Old South End organizations, optimizing outreach and impact.
4. Job Creation and Employment: Aligning with local enterprises, the initiative closes the gap between job openings and job seekers, ensuring competent training and placement.

Mosaic Educational Endeavors

Education is pivotal for community growth. In Toledo’s Old South End, several innovative educational programs shine, fueled by a partnership between the Historic South Initiative and Care for Kids. Together, they champion all-encompassing educational vistas for children and parents alike.

Mosaic Early Learning Center

• Renovations & Fundraising: The former St. James School witnesses a resurgence thanks to the work of the Historic South Initiative and several partner organizations. Together, they successfully raised over $500,000 to transform the aged structure into a state-of-the-art Early Childhood Learning Center.
• A New Beginning: Bolstered by an additional contribution of over $200,000, the Mosaic Early Learning Center opened its doors in February 2023. These funds also paved the way for Pre-K day camps, giving a head start to the community’s youngest members.
• Playground for Growth: Queen of Apostles Catholic grade school has always been a significant educational institution. And in spring 2023 it got its first-ever playground, courtesy of support from the Historic South Initiative and their partners.

Key Achievements of the Historic South Initiative

In its endeavor to revitalize the Old South End, the Historic South Initiative has marked several milestones, signifying its commitment to transforming the community.

Housing Milestones

Housing is the cornerstone of community welfare. The Historic South Initiative has:

• Rehabilitated over 200 homes, breathing new life into previously dilapidated structures.
• Successfully renovated and sold 7 homes, providing families a robust foundation, while simultaneously boosting the neighborhood’s economic value.

Amato observes, “The Old South End faced issues like declining property values, fewer high school graduates, escalating crime rates, and unemployment. With no organizations spearheading change, we saw an opportunity to intervene and create a ripple effect for Toledo’s betterment.”

Community Safety Enhancements

Collaborations with the Toledo/Lucas County Port Authority, FLOC, and Toledo Edison ushered in advanced L.E.D. lighting on Broadway and surrounding streets. This enhancement crowns the Old South End as Toledo’s pioneer in adopting this modern lighting system.

Community and Commercial Development

The Historic South Initiative believes that community vitality stems from thriving public spaces and commercial sectors. Key projects include:

• Danny Thomas Park: Established in 1957 and rejuvenated with a combined investment of $1.6 million, this park is now a hub of activities, thanks to organizations like the Believe Center and YMCA.
• Carnegie Library Building: Merging historical reverence with modern functionality, this iconic building now accommodates the Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union and Compassion Health Toledo.
• Commercial Revitalization: The creation of a bustling Little Caesars franchise on a previously empty lot stands as a testament to the initiative’s economic advancement goals.

Future Forward

The Old South End is on an upward trajectory, promising security, quality education, and all-encompassing community progress.

“Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the Old South End. With steadfast support from local organizations, residents and partners like Care for Kids, we’re not just dreaming of a thriving neighborhood – we’re actively building it,” says Amato.

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Care for Kids wants to hear from you!

1. How do holistic community revitalization efforts, like the Historic South Initiative, impact both the tangible (e.g., housing, infrastructure) and intangible (e.g., community spirit, sense of belonging) aspects of a neighborhood?
2. Considering the importance of preserving historical value while introducing modern amenities, how can communities strike a balance between honoring the past and catering to the needs of contemporary residents?
3. In what ways can residents and local businesses actively participate and contribute to the success of initiatives like the Historic South Initiative, ensuring sustainable growth and community well-being?