College Hill CURC

What College Hill CURC does

College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (College Hill CURC) is a 501(c)-style non-profit community development corporation founded in 1975 and headquartered at 6060 Hamilton Avenue in the College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. The organization is dedicated to revitalizing the Hamilton Avenue Business District through four program areas: affordable housing preservation and development, commercial real estate redevelopment, small business support, and community engagement and placemaking. CHCURC controls a portfolio of 306 residential units (133 designated affordable) across multiple properties including Hollywood Apartments, Marlowe Court, and the KeyMark development, as well as commercial assets such as the historic Hollywood Theatre, College Hill Plaza (a 3.8-acre property acquired in September 2024), and Patrick's Park, a community gathering space available for event rental.

The organization delivers small business support through proprietary programs — OurShop College Hill (rent-free storefront incubator across five rounds), the Facade Improvement Program (42+ businesses served across four rounds since 2006), and the Outdoor Improvement Program (six outdoor spaces in 2024–2025) — alongside a referral network to Mortar Academy, GCMI, Ohio SBDC, ECDI, Urban League, SCORE, and Flywheel. Community engagement is delivered via year-round events including Light Up College Hill (2,200+ attendees), Summer on the Hill (20+ events), The Avenue Experience (800+ attendees), and the annual Hollywood on the Hill Gala. CHCURC is not a technology company; there are no software products, AI/ML capabilities, APIs, or proprietary technology platforms described.

The revenue model is a non-profit blend of (1) recurring rental income from residential and commercial tenants, (2) donations and contributions solicited through the website and events, and (3) grants and program funding from the City of Cincinnati, LISC Greater Cincinnati, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Carol Anne and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, HomeBase Cincinnati, and other institutional funders. Capital-intensive real estate development is executed via partnerships (e.g., CH KeyMark LLC with 8K Development, Marlowe Court with The Model Group and Episcopal Retirement Services). Customer segments are community residents, small business tenants/incubatees, donors/sponsors, and public-sector partners; the organization serves a single submarket (the College Hill corridor) and has no global footprint.

Name

College Hill CURC

Legal name

College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation

Website

https://chcurc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

College Hill CURC is a non-profit community development corporation founded in 1975 in Cincinnati that revitalizes the Hamilton Avenue Business District through affordable housing, commercial real estate, small business support programs (OurShop, Facade Improvement, Outdoor Improvement), and year-round community events for neighborhood residents, small business owners, and institutional funders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Individual and corporate donations solicited through the organization's website donation portal and in-person fundraising events such as the Hollywood on the Hill Gala.
2. Grants and Funding: Receives grant funding from government entities (City of Cincinnati), foundations (LISC Greater Cincinnati, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Carol Anne and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation), and other institutional funders for development projects and programs.
3. Property Rental Income: Generates rental income from 306 residential units (133 affordable) and commercial spaces within its property portfolio including Hollywood Apartments, Mergard Lanes, Knight Building, and the Dow's Corner building.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (College Hill CURC) is a non-profit community development corporation that revitalizes the Hamilton Avenue Business District in Cincinnati through affordable housing preservation and construction (133 of 306 units are affordable), commercial and residential property rentals, small business incubation and support programs (OurShop, Facade Improvement Program, Outdoor Improvement Program), and year-round free community events such as Light Up College Hill and Summer on the Hill.

Product overview

College Hill CURC operates as a community development corporation offering a portfolio of programs and properties focused on four core areas: Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Small Business Support, and Community Engagement. The primary offerings include the OurShop College Hill incubator program providing rent-free retail space and mentorship; the Facade Improvement Program and Outdoor Improvement Program investing in physical business improvements; community facilities like Patrick's Park for events; and various real estate developments including affordable housing (Marlowe Court, Hollywood Apartments, KeyMark developments) and commercial properties (Hollywood Theatre, College Hill Plaza). Programs are delivered through direct service delivery and partnerships with the City of Cincinnati, local businesses, and community organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OurShop College Hill: Program providing brick-and-mortar businesses with rent-free space for six months, sales data analysis, financial education, mentorship, marketing, and storefront activation support.
• Facade Improvement Program (FIP)
• Outdoor Improvement Program (OIP)
• Patrick's Park
• Hamilton Avenue Business District

Products and services

• OurShop College Hill A small business incubator program providing brick-and-mortar businesses with rent-free space for six months, sales data analysis, financial education, mentorship, marketing, and storefront activation support at 5846 Hamilton Ave. Targeted at startup and emerging small businesses in the Hamilton Avenue Business District.
• Facade Improvement Program (FIP) A program helping small business owners transform the look of their buildings through facade improvements including new signage and awnings. Four rounds have been completed from 2006 to 2025, directly impacting over 42 businesses.
• Outdoor Improvement Program (OIP) A program creating new outdoor spaces in the business district to increase pedestrian safety, walkability, and enhance the overall look and feel of the area. Six outdoor spaces were created for businesses and the community in 2024-2025.
• Patrick's Park A community gathering space located at 5923 Hamilton Avenue featuring electric outlets, a covered stage, parking, and on-site maintenance. Available for event rentals.
• DORA College Hill Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) that allows pedestrians to walk with alcoholic beverages within certain boundaries along Hamilton Avenue from below Cedar Ave to Wittlou Ave. Operates 5-11 PM Monday-Friday and 12-11 PM Saturday-Sunday.
• Hollywood Theatre Historic theatre building at 5916 Hamilton Ave with 8,000 sq ft of commercial space, serving as the crown jewel of the College Hill business district. Currently seeking the right tenant for this space.
• Marlowe Court A 53-unit affordable senior housing mixed-use development opened in January 2018, developed in partnership with The Model Group and Episcopal Retirement Services. Includes three commercial spaces with First Financial Bank and YEP! Fitness as tenants.
• Hollywood Apartments 34 units of naturally occurring affordable housing at 5818 Hamilton Ave, acquired in October 2021. Over $600,000 has been invested in renovations including courtyard improvements, new paint, appliances, AC units, and flooring.
• KeyMark Development A multi-phase development partnership with 8K Development encompassing four buildings along Hamilton Avenue (5906 Ruth Hellen, 5910 Knight Building, 5920 Furniture Store/Sleepy Bee Cafe, and 6060 Mergard Lanes) plus East Lot redevelopment, adding 26 affordable housing units and nearly 70 free public parking spaces.
• College Hill Plaza A 3.8-acre commercial property at the southern end of the College Hill business district, acquired in September 2024. Currently under redevelopment to create a welcoming and safe environment, supporting 11 existing businesses.
• Beautification Program Landscaping, greenery, cleanliness, murals, and streetscape improvements throughout Hamilton Avenue, including murals by various artists, crosswalk murals, and daily maintenance by the landscape team.

Quantifiable outcome

• $91 Million invested in Hamilton Avenue Business District development over 9 years, creating 306 residential units (133 affordable)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 8K DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between CH KeyMark LLC (College Hill CURC) and 8K Development for the KeyMark mixed-use development project. Closed on $9.5 million in financing in 2021 to transform and reactivate the eastern side of Hamilton Avenue's middle district. The project encompasses four buildings along Hamilton Avenue (5906 Ruth Hellen, 5910 Knight Building, 5920 Furniture Store now Sleepy Bee Cafe, and 6060 Mergard Lanes) plus East Lot redevelopment.
• The Model GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Marlowe Court, an $11.1 million, 53-unit senior affordable housing mixed-use project that opened in January 2018.
• Episcopal Retirement ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Marlowe Court senior affordable housing project, contributing to the senior housing development and services component of the project.
• Keep Cincinnati BeautifulminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in beautification efforts, coordinating with College Hill CURC on landscaping and greenery improvements at the corner of Elkton Place and Hamilton Avenue in 2022.
• City of Cincinnati DOTE (Department of Transportation and Engineering)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on pedestrian safety improvements including installation of double curb extensions at five key locations throughout the Business District, crosswalk murals through Paint the Streets/Vision Zero Cincinnati, and new crosswalk installation at the corner of Elkton and Hamilton Avenue.
• BLDG BrandsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArt firm that painted murals 'Beauty is Everywhere' and 'M. Cora Dow' designed by Christopher A. Ritter for beautification projects along Hamilton Avenue.
• Mortar AcademyminorOthers15-week course for those thinking of starting or growing a business. Referenced as a resource partner in College Hill CURC's small business support ecosystem.
• Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI)minorOthersPartnered with City of Cincinnati, SBA, area banks, and operates its own proprietary loan fund to help clients secure access to capital ranging from $500 to $250,000. Provides entrepreneurial education, business plan evaluations, and coaching.
• Ohio Small Business Development Centers (Ohio SBDC)minorOthersFree business consulting, seminars, workshops, and connections to resources at local, state, and federal levels. Referenced as a resource partner in CHCURC's small business support ecosystem.
• ECDIminorOthersLeading SBA micro-loan intermediary, certified Community Development Corporation, and Treasury-designated CDFI. Provides small business loans, COVID support, entrepreneurial education, and one-on-one business support. Referenced as a resource partner.
• Urban League of Greater Southwestern OhiominorOthersEconomic Empowerment Center works with private, public, and nonprofit resources to build strong, sustainable minority businesses for wealth and job creation in urban core communities. Referenced as a resource partner.
• SCORE Greater CincinnatiminorOthersFree confidential business mentoring, webinars, courses on demand, and online resources for entrepreneurs. Referenced as a resource partner.
• Community Action AgencyminorOthersProvides entrepreneurial education, coaching, development, and funding to help entrepreneurs. Referenced as a resource partner.
• Flywheel Social Enterprise HubminorOthersElevateEquity: 8-week accelerator program for early-stage startups addressing systemic inequities through entrepreneurship. Includes consulting, business modeling, operational excellence, IT strategy, and coaching. Referenced as a resource partner.
• Alloy (Growth Lab)minorOthersSmall Business Assistance program including one-on-one coaching from experienced business professionals to help refine plans, sharpen marketing, improve operations, and grow. Referenced as a resource partner.
• College Hill ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization that partners with CHCURC on events including the Movie Series at Patrick's Park. The College Hill Forum also approached CHCURC to install traffic calming interventions in the business district and represents community residents.
• Local 12 NewsminorOthersLocal television news coverage highlighting CHCURC programs like OurShop College Hill as part of community boosting initiatives. Source of earned media coverage.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Over-the-Rhine Community Housing: Cincinnati CDC dedicated to affordable housing preservation and community development in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Direct peer in mission, geography, and operating model — developing and managing affordable units while running resident and small business support programs.
• The Model Group: Cincinnati-based real estate development firm with a strong affordable and mixed-income housing practice. Direct development partner of College Hill CURC on Marlowe Court, operating an adjacent model of community-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use development in the same city.
• Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC): Private, non-profit real estate developer and urban planning organization that has led large-scale redevelopment of downtown and Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati. Highly comparable model: real estate-driven CDC acquiring and developing commercial and mixed-use properties to revitalize a corridor.
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati: Regional Habitat affiliate building and preserving affordable housing in the Greater Cincinnati market. Comparable as a non-profit affordable housing developer leveraging volunteer labor, donations, and grants, though focused primarily on homeownership rather than mixed-use corridor revitalization.
• NRP Group: Cleveland-based national affordable and mixed-income housing developer. Comparable as a mission-driven developer delivering large multifamily affordable and mixed-use projects, frequently partnering with local CDCs and public agencies — closely analogous to the role 8K Development and The Model Group play for CHCURC.
• Avondale Development Corporation: Cincinnati CDC focused on revitalizing the Avondale neighborhood through affordable housing, commercial property development, and community programming. Closely mirrors CHCURC's neighborhood-scale CDC model in a different but adjacent Cincinnati neighborhood.
• Price Hill Will: Cincinnati-based community development corporation working on affordable housing, commercial corridor revitalization, and community programming in the Price Hill neighborhood. Closest geographic and mission analog to College Hill CURC's work on Hamilton Avenue.

Broad incumbents

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National non-profit CDFI that provides capital, grants, and technical assistance to local CDCs — including, per the company data, LISC Greater Cincinnati, which is an active financial partner of CHCURC. Comparable as a broader institutional player in the same ecosystem, but at national scale rather than neighborhood scale.
• Enterprise Community Partners: National non-profit that invests in affordable housing and community development, partnering with and funding local CDCs. Comparable in mission and ecosystem role, but at national scale and with a much broader portfolio than a single-neighborhood CDC.

Emerging players

• CityWide Development Corporation: Cincinnati-based CDC focused on commercial corridor revitalization and small business support across multiple neighborhoods. Overlapping mission on commercial district redevelopment but operating at a different scale and stage than College Hill CURC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CHCURC
• Instagraminstagram.com/collegehillcurc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about College Hill CURC