KeyMark – Mergard Lanes

CH KeyMark LLC, in partnership between College Hill CURC and 8K Development, closed on $9.5 million in financing in 2021 to transform and reactivate the eastern side of Hamilton Avenue’s middle district in College Hill. 

Purchased in 2017, the properties were fast-tracked in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to add critically needed affordable housing units and density to the heart of the business district and also support the existing businesses during these trying times.

KeyMark Development encompasses four buildings along Hamilton Avenue: 5906 (“Ruth Hellen”), 5910 (“The Knight Building”), 5920 (“The Furniture Store -now Sleepy Bee Cafe”), and 6060 Hamilton Avenue (“The Mergard Lanes”), as well as the redevelopment of East Lot. The project will transform those spaces to include 26 affordable housing units at The Mergard Lanes and The Ruth Hellen, including  11 wheelchair-accessible units and one built with ADA capabilities as well as creating nearly 70 free – public parking spaces.

The Mergard Lanes marked the completion of Phase Three of KeyMark Development in September 2023, bringing a total of 14 affordable units – 11 of which are wheelchair accessible and one fully ADA – compliant. Built in 1930, the building was formerly a bowling alley called “Mergard Lanes”. CHCURC bought the building in 2018 through NBDIP (Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program) Grant. Before the renovation, the original facade had windows that were bricked in and the original arched entrance was removed. The renovation of the building will restore the facade to its historic state.