Renovations are set to begin this week on the historic O’Hern House, a 76-unit apartment building that serves formerly homeless individuals with permanent supportive housing. O’Hern House serves residents typically diagnosed with dual challenges of severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and substance use disorders (SUDs).

The rehab will ensure the longevity and preservation of these critical affordable housing units in the heart of Atlanta in the Historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Residents have recently relocated to another apartment complex and are slated to return in the fall of 2026. The rehab project timeline is expected to take 12 months for completion.

Media and supporters are invited to mark this milestone with a press conference at the O’Hern House.  

WHEN: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 11 a.m.

WHERE: O’Hern House located at 16 William Holmes Borders Senior Drive, Atlanta, 30312. Parking is available in the lot on site and along the street.

WHO: Speakers include: 

• Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari, City of Atlanta District 5   
• Leonard Adams, CEO, Quest CDC 
• Scott Walker, President/CEO of The 3Keys, Inc.  

Speakers will be available after the press conference for interviews and to offer tours of the building.

“Our residents—many of whom have experienced homelessness—deserve nothing less than the highest quality of care and support. The renovation of O’Hern House will make that possible,” said Scott Walker, President/CEO of 3Keys, Inc. “Through our mission-driven approach, 3Keys provides permanent supportive housing to those often considered the ‘hardest to serve.’ We are deeply grateful to our partners for joining us in this work to ensure our neighbors have the dignity, stability, and opportunities they all deserve.”

The renovation will include a complete reconfiguration of the first level and refresh of residential rooms, along with new fixtures and furniture throughout the building. HVAC, electrical, plumbing and lighting systems will be upgraded with an eye towards energy efficiency. This will result in significant savings on power and water utility bills.

All on-site amenities will be upgraded, including the full-service industrial kitchen that provides three meals per day for the residents and the lounges and laundry rooms on the third and fourth floors. Additional on-site features include an elevator, game room, library, and community space for residents to engage in activities. 

“O’Hern House has been a lifeline in this community for decades, and with today’s renovation, it recommits itself to decades more,” began Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari. “Atlanta’s commitment to permanent supportive housing cannot be a passing moment, it has to be a lasting covenant. The team behind O’Hern House understands this responsibility, and this is yet another example of its promise.”

Plans have been underway for more than a year-and-a-half, with a number of partners collaborating on the plan to rehab the existing building:

• Development Partner: Quest CDC 
• Architect: James Thomas Designs, LLC (Jim Viviano)
• Construction Project Manager: Carla Cooper
• Owner: The 3Keys, Inc.
• Support Service Provider: Community Friendship, Inc.

Located in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, the building was originally constructed as the Red Seal Shoe Factory in the early 1900s. In 1993, it was converted into the O’Hern House.

Funding for the rehab of the 118-year-old building comes from a number of sources, the most significant being the Governor's Office of Planning & Budget (OPB) with a grant of $5.4 million.

3Keys manages 477 permanent supportive housing units across six properties, where residents receive wraparound, individualized support on their paths to stability. 

Through this holistic model, staff and partners provide a wide range of essential services, including; case management, service coordination, peer support, life skills training, counseling, benefits assistance, transportation, food support, and referrals to local community providers. By combining affordable housing with healthcare and customized services, 3Keys helps residents overcome barriers and build a foundation for long-term success.

The impact is clear: 3Keys consistently maintains a housing stability rate of 85% or higher—exceeding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) national benchmark of 80%.

With the renovation of O’Hern House, 3Keys is positioned to expand this impact, ensuring even more individuals have access to the housing, care, and resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.