As you may have noticed if you’ve visited one of our buildings on 12th Street, two of our buildings are undergoing major renovations. In a move which will convert 55 small dormitory-style rooms into 30 spacious housing units with dedicated kitchens and bathrooms, Tender Mercies is quickly approaching its 40th anniversary with an eye on expanding services, serving more people, and transforming the everyday lives of the people we serve.
Historic Building
This renovation aligns our strategic 10-year plan with our founding goal of providing more than just housing but a true sense of home for all who come here. Spaeth & Kelly Hall, situated just half a block from Washington Park hold historic significance not just for the neighborhood, but for Tender Mercies as well, having been on the first buildings purchased and rehabilitated by our organization.
Spaeth & Kelly Hall was originally constructed as an office building in 1915. As with many of the buildings in Over-The-Rhine, the building was not immune to the ups and downs of our city’s history. By the time Tender Mercies acquired the building in 1988, it was a shell of its former self. Our young, fledgling nonprofit purchased the building for $43.00 from the city with the promise of renovating the building into a space which could providing dignified housing to those struggling with mental illness and homelessness.
Today, the building is named for former Tender Mercies CEO Marcia Spaeth-Kennedy and former resident case manager Sister Kathleen Kelly (1924-2021), both of whom dedicated their lives to the mission of Tender Mercies for decades.
Modern Upgrades in a Historic Context
The renovation strikes a balance between restoration and modernization. Local preservation experts at New Republic Architecture and Model Group collaborated to ensure the building retained its original charm. High ceilings, large windows, and exposed brick walls will be carefully restored, celebrating the craftsmanship of Cincinnati’s architectural history.
Simultaneously, the project introduces much-needed modern amenities. The 55 small, 80-square-foot units that existed before the renovation will be completely remodeled and afford residents their own personal bathrooms, allowing residents to cook meals in their own homes rather than a shared kitchen. The building itself will feature upgraded HVAC systems, private entrances for Resident Support Workers, additional security measures, and renovated office spaces on the basement floor. Communal spaces will include a resident dining room and lounge, free laundry facilities, and a kitchen for volunteer meal groups.
Impact Beyond the Walls
This project is about more than just the physical building—it represents Tender Mercies’ commitment to uplifting the entire Over-the-Rhine community. By providing stable housing and supportive services, Tender Mercies empowers individuals to rebuild their lives, contributing to the revitalization of the neighborhood as a whole.
The renovation has also created opportunities for local partnerships, including:
Looking Ahead
Spaeth & Kelly Hall has always been a space dedicated to the security, dignity and community that Permanent Supportive Housing provides. Residents who have previously struggled with housing stability have developed a natural support system by living among a network of people with shared experiences.
Renovations should be completed by December of 2025, marking a significant step towards our goal of serving over 400 residents a year by 2032. The end-of-year opening follows the 2024 opening of Slater Hall in Cincinnati’s historic West End community, and signals a commitment to continued growth, collaboration, and innovation in service to our community, blending the richness of the building’s history with a vision for the future. Together with our partners, we are proving that compassionate care and preservation can go hand in hand, creating spaces that inspire hope, healing, and community. This renovation is not just about a building — it’s about building lives.
