Share This Article
Article Summary
3CDC has completed its $5.1 million purchase of the former St. Francis Seraph Church campus in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. The acquisition, finalized October 20, includes seven parcels previously owned by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The purchase follows a city partnership intended to preserve services at the St. Anthony Center while Cincinnati develops its proposed Center of Care initiative. Specific redevelopment plans for the historic church property have not yet been announced.
The 3CDC Over-the-Rhine purchase is complete, with the development corporation acquiring the former St. Francis Seraph Church campus for $5.1 million.
The transaction gives Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) control of seven parcels in one of Cincinnati’s historic neighborhoods.
According to Hamilton County auditor records cited by the Cincinnati Business Courier, OTR Holdings, a limited liability company subsidiary of 3CDC, completed the acquisition on October 20, 2026.
The seller was the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The properties included in the transaction are:
- Franciscan Media Center at 32 W. Liberty St.
- St. Anthony Center at 24 W. Liberty St.
- St. Francis Seraph Catholic Church and Friary properties at 1615 Vine St.
The acquisition involves several buildings that have supported religious activities and community services in Over-the-Rhine.
Cincinnati previously committed $4 million toward the acquisition
The completed purchase follows a public-private partnership announced by Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval in July 2026.
Under the original arrangement, the city planned to contribute $4 million from a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district toward the approximately $5 million acquisition. Meanwhile, 3CDC would cover the remaining cost.
City officials said the arrangement would help preserve services at the St. Anthony Center. It would also prevent uncertainty surrounding the property’s future.
The proposed partnership also aimed to maintain local control over the prominent property. This would prevent an outside developer from acquiring it.
According to WVXU, the city and 3CDC planned to use the arrangement as a temporary solution. Meanwhile, they would develop a longer-term strategy for homelessness services.
St. Anthony Center provides services to people experiencing homelessness
The St. Anthony Center has served as a hub for nonprofit organizations assisting people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
Its services include meals, showers, personal hygiene assistance, behavioral health support, housing assistance and other basic needs.
Several organizations have operated services through the center, making its continued availability an important part of the city’s acquisition strategy.
In July, city officials said existing services would continue during the transition.
The acquisition is also connected to Cincinnati’s proposed Center of Care initiative, which aims to bring multiple social service providers together in one location.
Future redevelopment plans remain undetermined
Although the property purchase is complete, specific redevelopment plans for the former church campus have not been finalized.
The city previously announced that 3CDC would help identify and develop a separate permanent location for the proposed Center of Care near downtown.
The future facility is expected to bring together organizations providing housing assistance, medical care, mental health services, substance abuse support, meals and personal hygiene services.
Meanwhile, 3CDC is expected to work with the city and community stakeholders to determine appropriate future uses for the former St. Francis Seraph campus.
The historic church building is an important part of the property, but officials have not announced a final redevelopment plan for it.
The completed $5.1 million acquisition marks a significant step in Cincinnati’s efforts to maintain services in Over-the-Rhine. Additionally, it helps with planning the property’s long-term future.
FAQs
How much did 3CDC pay for the former St. Francis Seraph Church campus?
3CDC acquired the former church campus for $5.1 million. The purchase was completed through OTR Holdings, a limited liability company subsidiary of 3CDC, on October 20, 2026.
Who previously owned the St. Francis Seraph Church campus?
The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe sold the properties to OTR Holdings. The religious organization had previously overseen the church and associated facilities.
What is Cincinnati’s proposed Center of Care?
The Center of Care is a proposed facility that would bring multiple nonprofit and service providers together to assist people experiencing homelessness. Planned services include housing assistance, medical care, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, meals and personal hygiene services.
