Portage County
Land Bank Newsletter
Winter 2026
The Portage County Land Bank is pleased to share several updates with the community, highlighting progress in neighborhood revitalization, housing redevelopment, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
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2025 Demolition Recap &
2026 Opportunities
In 2025, the Land Bank utilized funding from the Ohio Department of Development’s Building Demolition & Site Revitalization program to remove unsafe and blighted structures. This support enabled the demolition of fourteen residential properties and three commercial or institutional buildings, enhancing neighborhood safety and creating opportunities for growth across Portage County.
Looking ahead to 2026, additional demolition funding is available. Communities across Portage County are encouraged to explore potential projects and learn more about eligibility and next steps. Questions and submissions can be sent to Olivia Pilon at opilon@pclandbank.org.
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From Blight to Bright: Renovation in Edinburg
Renovation is in full swing in Edinburg, where the Portage County Land Bank is turning a once-blighted property into a beautifully remodeled home through its Acquisition-Rehab-Resale program. This transformation is part of the Land Bank’s ongoing effort to revitalize neighborhoods and create quality housing opportunities for local residents.
The project is expected to be completed by May 2026. Interested buyers can learn more about the property by contacting the Land Bank’s Realtor, Sarah Taylor, at sarah123zoo@yahoo.com.
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PCLB's 2025 Snapshot
In 2025, the Land Bank continued its work to return properties to productive use throughout Portage County. A total of 21 properties were acquired through a combination of the Land Bank’s traditional acquisition process and funding from the Ohio Department of Development’s Welcome Home Ohio program.
During the same year, 16 properties were transferred back into active and productive use. These dispositions included vacant lots and housing opportunities that now support reinvestment and community improvement. The properties benefited a broad range of end users, including residents, nonprofit organizations, political jurisdictions, and private investors.
| | Turning Brownfields into New Beginnings | | | Brownfields are properties where past industrial or commercial use may have left hazardous substances or contaminants, making redevelopment challenging. With proper assessment and cleanup, these sites can be transformed into safe, productive spaces that benefit the community. Through the Ohio Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program, the Land Bank is helping turn these sites into catalysts for growth and revitalization.
The Land Bank is currently working with Brownfield Restoration Group on four sites, including three in the City of Ravenna and one in the City of Kent. Once restored, these properties are expected to attract new investment and support development, creating lasting economic and community benefits across Portage County.
| | Welcome Home: Creating Safe, Affordable Houses | |
New homes are transforming neighborhoods across Portage County thanks to the Ohio Department of Development's Welcome Home Ohio program. The first of six homes is now complete and ready for a new family, and the listing can be viewed here.
The remaining five homes are in various stages of construction or planning and are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Strong partnerships with Neighborhood Development Services and Habitat for Humanity of Portage County are helping make these projects possible. Through grant funding and these collaborations, the Land Bank is creating safe, affordable housing and helping families build a future in Portage County.
| | Website Redesign Underway | The Portage County Land Bank is undergoing a major website redesign to make it easier for the public to explore properties and understand the Land Bank’s impact. The updated site will highlight available properties for residents, organizations, municipalities, and investors, while clearly showing how the Land Bank supports more vibrant neighborhoods. The new site is expected to launch this spring! | | Preserving a Piece of Ohio History | | |
This all-metal Lustron home has been part of the Land Bank’s inventory for just over a year. Built in Columbus in the late 1940s, Lustrons are a fascinating piece of Ohio history. Their steel construction and innovative design made them an affordable housing solution for families in the post-war era.
After a thorough review, the Land Bank determined that demolition was the safest way to prepare the site for a future home. Before the house is removed this spring, PCLB staff reached out to Lustron enthusiasts across the country. As a result, several original pieces from this Portage County home will now be used in restoration projects in Wisconsin, Virginia, and Indiana. Preservation takes many forms, and PCLB is proud to help keep this unique piece of history alive.
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The Portage County Land Reutilization Corporation (Land Bank) is a quasi-governmental, 501c3 non-profit, organization whose mission is to facilitate the conversion of vacant, blighted, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties to productive use for the benefit of our communities. | | Stay in touch with the Land Bank. | | | | |
