Tender Mercies Breathing New Life Into Spaeth & Kelly Hall
As you may have noticed if you’ve visited one of our buildings on 12th Street, two of our buildings have undergone major renovations.
This renovation aligns our 10-year strategic plan with our founding goal of providing more than just housing but a true sense of home for all who come here. Spaeth & Kelly Hall, situated just half a block from Washington Park, holds historic significance not just for the neighborhood, but for Tender Mercies as well, having been on the first buildings purchased and rehabilitated by our organization.
Tender Mercies purchased the building for $43.00 in 1988 from the city with the promise of renovating the building into a space which could providing dignified housing to those struggling with mental illness and homelessness.
The renovation strikes a balance between restoration and modernization. Local preservation experts at New Republic Architecture and Model Group collaborated to ensure the building retained its original charm. High ceilings, large windows, and exposed brick walls will be carefully restored, celebrating the craftsmanship of Cincinnati’s architectural history.
This renovation is not about creating a luxury building, but about intentionally designing a living environment that supports people with mental illness in achieving their highest level of independence. The former 55 units—each just 80 square feet—have been fully reimagined to provide residents with private bathrooms and kitchens, empowering them to manage daily life with greater autonomy, privacy, and dignity. At the same time, the project introduces essential modern amenities that strengthen long-term stability, including upgraded building infrastructure, enhanced security features, and renovated office space on the basement level to better support on-site services and staff.
Honoring Our Founders
Spaeth-Kelly Hall is named in recognition of Marcia Spaeth-Kennedy and Sister Kathleen Kelly, CPPS (1924-2021), whose extraordinary dedication laid the foundation for Tender Mercies' mission of providing security, dignity, and community to homeless individuals with mental illness.
Marcia Spaeth-Kennedy served as a founding board member, former full-time volunteer, and former Chief Executive Officer, guiding the organization's growth and development over decades of leadership.
Sister Kathleen Kelly devoted 27 years to Tender Mercies, beginning in 1987 as Human Services Coordinator and continuing as a full-time volunteer until her passing. Her compassionate presence and unwavering commitment to seeing the good in each resident embodied the heart of Tender Mercies' work in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine community.
This building stands as a testament to their vision and lifelong service to our most vulnerable neighbors.