MANSFIELD — A new housing development is springing up at the corner of Home and Walker Lake roads.
Wedged between a cornfield and a wooded area, Walker Woods could eventually house up to 64 new homes. The first phase of construction will feature 11 duplexes on about 3.2 acres.
Local officials and prospective buyers toured the first and only duplex on site during an open house on Friday.
“They’re beautiful. They look like they’re very quality made. I think it’s a great addition,” Cheryl Meier, a Mansfield councilwoman and local real estate agent, said.
“I’m super happy with the investment that Jerry Holden and Wigton Construction have made in the city.”
Jerry Holden of Holden Property Group and Andy Wigton of Wigton Construction are spearheading the Walker Woods development.
“Walker Woods is a great location for people that are interested in being close to hospital, shopping, dining and entertainment,” Holden said.
Homeowners can choose a three-bedroom or two-bedroom home and customize interior features like countertops, cabinets, and floors.
Holden said home prices will vary based on customization and the selected lot. Base prices start at $275,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bath home (1,300 square feet) and $300,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bath home (1,600 square feet).
Homes will be located in the Mansfield City School district, Holden said.
The homes feature vaulted ceilings, an open floor plan, a private patio, and the option to include a basement.
Holden said the development team offers a special $15,000 upgrade incentive to homebuyers who reserve a lot this weekend.
The group also offers special financing for two years to whoever buys the two existing homes.
Homeowner’s association will take care of snow removal, lawn care
Holden said the development is designed with active adults in mind.
In the world of real estate, “active adult” typically refers to older adults who want to live independently but in a community with opportunities for recreation and minimal yard work.
However, unlike many active adult communities, Walker Woods offers homes for sale rather than rent, and buyers don’t have to fit within a certain age bracket.
Walker Woods will have a homeowner’s association that takes care of lawn maintenance, snow removal, and trash removal. Holden also plans a retention pond, walking path, and sidewalks in the development.
The new neighborhood is also within walking distance of the Bromfield Trail, a walking path that extends to The Ohio State University Mansfield campus.
The Richland County Housing Study, completed in 2022, predicted that the county will need an additional 2,475 owner-occupied and 3,364 renter-occupied units by 2032 to sustain its growth.
County treasurer Bart Hamilton said it is encouraging to see new housing development underway.
“We need everything. We need low-income (housing). We need apartments. We need condos, homes. We need it all,” he said.
“Everybody needs somewhere to live.”
Holden told officials last month that additional phases of construction could follow, potentially leading to 64 new homes in total.
