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Work officially underway on new City Gospel Mission Campus

City Gospel Mission, 3CDC and Strategies to End Homelessness officially kicked off  construction of the City Gospel Mission Campus Thursday morning. The new campus at 1805 Dalton Avenue is part of the five-facility system of Cincinnati's Homeless to Homes Plan.  It will provide 74 emergency beds and 36 transitional housing beds.

"We'll have day service programs, case management, recreation and three meals a day," said City Gospel Mission President Roger Howell.  "Our other facility will have the Lord's Gym, which is recreation and working out, getting your body back in shape."

Howell also noted the new campus will have a JobsPlus Employment Network, a faith-based drug and alcohol recovery program, and administrative offices.

The first building  is scheduled for completion in January and the second in April.   Howell said the total project cost is $16 million, which includes three years of operating costs.

The role of health care

There also will be a primary care clinic on site.

"Once you've satisfied certain basics in life--food, shelter, clothing--health care is  a major issue," said Tony Woods, President and CEO, Deaconess Associations Foundation.  "These people don't have a lot of access; they don't have the means to do it.

Woods said Deaconess is also providing for two other primary care clinics--one at each of the drop-in centers.

Also a tribute to the Reds

The new campus sits on the site where Crosley Field stood until 1970.   City Gospel Mission and the Reds Hall of Fame are working together to create a historic site on the property. 

The plans include:

• Foul lines running from home plate through City Gospel Mission’s two buildings

• A replica left-field foul pole

• A light standard in the parking lot replicating the original lights used at Crosley

• Base and pitching rubber markers

• Historic photos and original Crosley seats provided by the Museum in the lobby

• A pocket park near the main entrance with several markers detailing significant events that occurred at Crosley

• A 105-foot-by-20-foot high mural of Old Crosley on the backside of one of the buildings in front of home plate

• Visitors will receive a self-guided brochure with guided tours also possible

• T-shirt and hat memorabilia will be available for purchase

Reds Hall of Fame Executive Director Rick Walls said the inspiration, successes and achievements that happened at Crosley Field go hand in hand with the mission of City Gospel Mission. 

The Crosley Field Historic Site is expected to be ready by next summer.