ABOUT CITY HEIGHTS

City Heights, formerly named the Ida Spence Homes, was developed in the early 1950s as a series of barracks-style two-story buildings according to the prevailing model of public housing construction of its time. City Heights began operation in 1953. With 366 units, City Heights was the largest public housing complex in Northern Kentucky.

After decades of deferred maintenance, a 2018 assessment report estimated that it would cost almost $51 million to restore the complex to “safe, decent and sanitary” standards, with the cost of a more complete and necessary modernization estimated at over $84 million. Faced with these daunting financial realities, the HAC board voted on December 18, 2019, to seek approval from HUD to close the complex.

HUD approved the disposition of City Heights on September 30, 2021. HAC staff worked closely with federal and local officials to assist City Heights families in relocating to new homes. In total, 216 tenants were assisted with relocation, 71 moved prior to disposition approval, 3 moved voluntarily without assistance, and 70 were ineligible for assistance. The final tenant moved out of City Heights on April 15, 2024, and the complex is now permanently closed.