Harris-Askins House

History and operation

The Harris-Askins House is a subsidized housing complex for low-income seniors located in the heart of Westerville. Its development was launched 40 years ago as a community service project of the Rotary Club of Westerville. 

Concept: The idea of creating a subsidized housing project for low-income seniors in Westerville was presented to the Rotary Club of Westerville in the late winter of the 1982-83 Rotary year, under the leadership of President Rich Seils.

Action: HUD financed construction of the “202 project” for approximately $2.1 million. The Club formed a nonprofit corporation known as “Westerville Rotary Elderly Housing, Inc.” to run the enterprise. The incorporation was finalized on May 18, 1983. The Club’s investment was a $10,000 certificate of deposit to be held on deposit for three years, then returned. The interest on the CD, plus real estate commission due Paul Askins, plus legal expenses due Presidents Ken Spicer (1983-84) and Joe Barone {1984-85) were donated to a fund to be used for amenities for the residents.

Dedication: The building, now known as Harris-Askins House, was formally dedicated on July 11, 1985.

Leadership

The Harris-Askins House is run by an independent board of Rotary Club of Westerville members. The board members serve three-year terms, with three members being elected each year. Officers are elected annually.

Officers: President Tom Staebler, Secretary Joe Barone, Treasurer Jodi Fletcher, Rotary Club of Westerville Immediate Past President Ellen Cathers.

Board Members: Chip Bruchac, Carol Groseclose, Lyn Kiger, Jim Meacham, Bill Plessinger and Kathleen Short.

Harris-Askins House Board meetings are held when announced. To attend, please contact HAH president Bill Tompos.

More than a home … a Lifestyle!

The building consists of 60 apartment units with security access, and an elevator to the 2nd and 3rd floors. Specifically, there are 45 1-bedroom (6 are handicap accessible), and 15 efficiency units. These are rental apartments, and no intermediate care or medical/hospital care is provided.

For seniors 62 years and older – Section 8 Rental Assistance is available!

These Deluxe Apartment Homes Feature:

• Controlled Access Entry
• On-Site Management
• Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
• Color Coordinated Appliances
• Garbage Disposals
• Free Gas Heat & Hot Water
• Air Conditioning
• Laundry Facilities on Premises
• Security System
• 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance
• All Electric Included

Some of the Facilities, Services and Activities Enjoyed by the Residents Include:

• Community Room and Sunroom-Screened
• Gazebo and Lighted Ceiling Fan
• Perimeter Walkway and Enticing Flower Gardens
• Variety of Activities
• Large Screen 52” TV/VCR/DVD Player with Surround sound in the Community Room
• In-House Library and Westerville Library Outreach Services
• Full Kitchen Facilities with Appliances for Group and Private Gatherings
• Rotary Sponsored Activities
• Pharmacy-Provided Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines
• Visiting Foot Doctor – Specializing in Elderly Foot Care

Property Management

Showe Management

On-Site Manager

Carol Fuller

Contact information

Westerville Rotary Elderly Housing, Inc.
Harris-Askins House
200 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081
614-899-1997
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday