recent press release

One hundred percent of the approximately 20,000 square feet of retail and office space in the new East College Street project has been leased, according to Naomi Sabel, one of the owners of project developer Sustainable Community Associates. Retailers and office users range from a Korean Market and Grass-fed artisan Ice Cream store to a local coffee shop, bank and professional offices for doctors and accountants.

Ben Ezinga, SCA Principal, said “Given the state of the national and regional economy we are thrilled to have leased all of our available space. Tenants, entrepreneurs, and people who live and visit Oberlin have all responded to the type of development we have tried to create - a mixed-use building connected to its surroundings with green design and the vibe of something new and positive in Oberlin”

“It is really great to see that our vision for a more vibrant downtown has moved from paper to pavement and nothing was lost in the translation. It is a testament to the type of community Oberlin is that we have defied all of the trends and negative news surrounding the region” said Josh Rosen, the third owner of Sustainable Community Associates.

Of the 33 units of housing available on the upper floors of the mixed-use buildings, only 3 condos are left unsold. All of the original sales prices have been met, a rarity in today’s real estate market. Ezinga is optimistic that they won’t be available for long. “We’ve seen an influx of people coming from outside of Oberlin who want to live in Oberlin. We have a number of young professionals buying condos as well as empty-nesters who no longer have the interest in taking care of an old home and enjoy being close to Oberlin’s amenities.”

Sabel added “If there’s anyone in the community who have not toured the facility we would love to show you around. This was a community supported project so we want to make sure everyone in the community has a chance to see the project before it is completely full.