The Manse Apartments

The historic Manse Hotel opened in 1950 and became a premier hotel for many African American musicians, athletes, and political figures in the nation. In the 1970s, after being converted into low-income housing, the Manse fell into decline, as did the greater community. With the restoration of the hotel and the addition of new units, the Manse now serves as affordable housing for seniors in the Walnut Hills neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio which is undergoing significant revitalization.

The Model Group and Episcopal Retirement Services Affordable Living partnered with ArtWorks Cincinnati to undertake a community mural project on the Manse Apartments. OCCH, in addition to providing equity along with Fifth Third CDC, provided a $30,000 grant to assist with mural project. ArtWorks employed local youth (aged 16-20) to paint the mural that was envisioned by artist Cedric Michael Cox. These young artists received a paid supervised summer job in the Arts.

 

Photos are courtesy of Julianna Boehm Photography