Construction underway for Green Oaks of Canal Winchester near Columbus, with delivery set for March 2027
COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 5, 2026) — Chicago-based Evergreen Real Estate Group today announced it has started construction on Green Oaks of Canal Winchester, a four-story, 120-unit affordable assisted living community for seniors in Columbus, Ohio, approximately 12 miles southeast of downtown. Completion is expected in March 2027.
Located at 3631 Gender Road in suburban Canal Winchester, which is within the city of Columbus boundary, Green Oaks of Canal Winchester will offer 67 studio and 53 one-bedroom apartments for seniors across a range of income levels, including those who qualify for Medicaid benefits. Gardant Management Solutions, the fifth-largest provider of assisted living in the country, will operate the community, which will be licensed as a residential care facility by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and approved as a Medicaid-assisted living service provider through the Ohio Department of Aging (ODA).
This project, along with Evergreen’s recently announced Green Oaks of Holland in Holland, Ohio, is among the first purpose-built affordable assisted living developments to break ground in Ohio. In partnership with Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), ODA, ODH, and other public and private stakeholders, it will meaningfully expand housing options for area seniors, allowing them to age in a more residential, community-based setting at approximately half the Medicaid cost of nursing home care.
“Green Oaks of Canal Winchester and Green Oaks of Holland are two of the first purpose-built affordable assisted living communities under construction in Ohio,” said Jared Isenthal, vice president of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “We’ve been successful with this development model in Indiana and Illinois, and we are excited to bring this type of housing to Ohio for seniors that have had very few options.”
Steve Rappin, CEO of Evergreen Real Estate Group, added: “Our mission has always been improving lives and transforming communities by developing high-quality, affordable housing for those who need it most, and Green Oaks of Canal Winchester and Green Oaks of Holland reflect exactly that in Ohio. We look forward to expanding this model to other communities throughout the state and beyond.”
“Green Oaks of Canal Winchester represents another meaningful step forward in our commitment to affordable housing, helping to ensure Columbus’ seniors can age in place with the dignity, stability and the support they deserve,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “By expanding affordable assisted living options within the city, we are enabling our seniors to remain in the neighborhoods they helped to build.”
“We are honored to bring this new community to Ohio and to partner with families in supporting their loved ones,” said Julie Simpkins, co-CEO of Gardant. “Our commitment is to deliver compassionate care, respect each resident’s individuality, and empower them to live with purpose and independence every single day.”
Each apartment at Green Oaks of Canal Winchester will offer a kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator and microwave, with the flexibility to be upgraded to a full kitchen if needed. Residences will also include a full private bathroom with a shower and grab bars, living and/or bedroom space, individual heating and air conditioning, and an emergency alert system.
On-site amenities include spaces and activities to facilitate resident engagement and well-being. A large commercial kitchen and dining room will serve three meals and snacks throughout the day. Other amenities include a fitness room, beauty salon, game room, activity rooms, resident computer stations, a library, and multiple community rooms and lounges. Certified staff will be on-site 24 hours a day to assist residents with daily living activities, and the property will provide transportation to local stores and service providers throughout the surrounding community.
The community’s exterior features a covered main entry drop-off, sitting areas, walking paths, a private rear patio, gazebo recreation area and all-new landscaping. Green Oaks of Canal Winchester will provide 70 on-site parking spaces for use by residents, visitors and staff.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) approved Green Oaks of Canal Winchester for 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and issued tax-exempt private activity bonds to support the development. The bonds were underwritten and placed by D.A. Davidson, satisfying federal financing requirements and enabling the project to receive the associated tax credits. Green Oaks of Canal Winchester was designed by Chicago-based WJW Architects, and the general contractor for the project is The Douglas Company, based in Holland.
In addition to creating over 100 construction jobs, the project will also add 35 full-time and 15 part-time positions to the local economy once the property opens for operation, including opportunities for healthcare workers, administrators and maintenance and food service staff.
The community will put residents in proximity to a Kroger grocery store and pharmacy as well as a shopping center with numerous restaurants and retailers. Green Oaks of Canal Winchester is also near an urgent care facility, public library and several parks.
