
TESTIMONIALS AND PRESS RELEASES
Below is a collection of testimonials and other various news items from the company.
10TV Covers Franklinton NOW and Development Boom in Franklinton — Oct. 1, 2024
Franklinton NOW was featured in 10 TV's segment Boomtown, which is dedicated to reporting on development in the Columbus area. We appreciate the channel highlighting the positive change that is occurring in the neighborhood, and we are proud to be part of that re-building effort. You can read the article here. Watch the 2-minute video segment below:
Franklinton NOW Generates Buzz in Columbus Business First – Sept. 18, 2024
We’re excited that Franklinton NOW has been featured in Columbus Business First!
Check out the article here, with reporting by Bonnie Meibers.
Franklinton NOW Covered in Columbus Underground Article – Sept. 18, 2024
Franklinton NOW keeps making headlines, most recently in this article in the Columbus Underground. Click here to read Brent Warren’s article about the initiative.
Franklinton NOW Covered in The Columbus Dispatch Article – Sept. 18, 2024
We’re thrilled with the continued media coverage of our Franklinton NOW announcement! You can read the Columbus Dispatch’s article, with reporting by Jim Weiker, by clicking here.
- New City Homes Reveals Plans for Franklinton NOW -50 New Homes Being Built in Franklinton North of West Broad Street,Available For Sale, Rent and Lease-Purchase - Sept 13, 2024



Columbus, OH: Columbus’ oldest neighborhood is poised for an influx of new housing options. New City Homes, a Franklinton-based real estate company, is building more than 50 new homes and duplexes across a half square mile area in Franklinton. The scattered site development initiative is called “Franklinton NOW,” which is a reference to the area North Of West Broad Street where the homes are being built.
“It’s very rare to have an opportunity to build 50 new homes in an existing urban neighborhood,” said Chris Knoppe, President of New City Homes. “These vacant lots exist today only because many of the older homes were demolished over a period of several decades. It wasn’t feasible for anyone to replace the homes at that time, but NOW there is an opportunity to build new housing as the neighborhood enters the next chapter of its 225 plus year history. It’s exciting, and an absolute honor, to be rebuilding the lost homes of Franklinton.”
This endeavor offers a variety of housing options, with the newly constructed homes being offered for Sale, Rent, and Lease-Purchase. There are several different home styles and floor plans that vary in size, attributes, and price point. The sale prices for the single family homes are expected to be $374,900-$494,900 depending on model, and the rental options on the homes will range from $850-$1,750 for the duplex units and $1,750-$2,400 for the homes. The Lease-Purchase program allows prospective home buyers to lock in a purchase price for three years and earn a credit towards buying the home for each on-time monthly rent payment.
The announcement of the Franklinton NOW campaign coincides with the completion of the first home, located at 94 Wisconsin Avenue. That home, the largest model priced at $494,900, is being featured in the BIA Parade of Homes, which runs for two weekends on Thurs Sept 12th - Sun Sept 14th and Thurs Sept 19th - Sun Sept 22nd. The home was recognized by the BIA judges by winning the “Best Feature” award for its finished basement.
Just next door at 98 Wisconsin, construction is wrapping up on the second home, which is one of the smaller models priced at $374,900. Eight more homes are under construction with additional groundbreakings scheduled throughout the Fall and into Spring-Summer 2025. Homes are slated to be built on Wisconsin Ave, Chicago Ave, N. Yale Ave, N. Princeton Ave, Hayden Ave, N. Central Ave, N. Guilford Ave., and Rodgers Ave.
“Franklinton’s deep history makes it truly unique because it’s the only Columbus neighborhood that existed before the City of Columbus was founded,” said Knoppe. “Franklinton has evolved through good times and bad, and that time-tested perseverance is ingrained in the neighborhood’s culture. Today, there is a rush of positive energy coming into the neighborhood. NOW is an amazing time to be in Franklinton as the neighborhood carves its path through another era in history.”
About New City Homes: New City Homes is a Franklinton-based real estate company with a long term focus on improving communities by providing desirable and attainable housing solutions. Since being founded in 2018, New City Homes has specialized in building and renovating homes for sale & rent in the urban neighborhoods surrounding the Downtown Columbus area. For more information, please contact Sarah Gellner at (740) 780-5747 or SarahG@NewCityOhio.com or visit www.NewCityOhio.com/now.
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New City Homes Welcomes Rep. Mike Carey to Demonstrate Success of Opportunity Zones - August 14, 2024
New City Homes was honored to host a visit from Rep. Mike Carey at its 2085 W Broad Street apartment complex on August 14, 2024, to discuss the power and benefits of Opportunity Zones in making communities stronger.
Rep. Carey spoke about the visit, saying, “Sometimes, all it takes is a small push to take a neighborhood from struggling to thriving. Opportunity Zones are revitalizing communities in Ohio’s Fifteenth District and across the country. We were grateful to see the impact of Opportunity Zones in action this morning and look forward to continuing our work in the Ways and Means Committee to help working Americans prosper.”
You can read Rep. Carey’s full press release here.
New City Homes Proud to Announce Once Again Ranked Top 20 in Columbus Business First's Busiest Central Ohio Home Builders - Sept 9, 2022
We are happy to announce that for another year New City Homes was one of the top 20 home builders in Central Ohio! Thanks to Columbus Business First for compiling the annual list.
New City Homes Ranked Top 20 in Columbus Business First's Busiest Central Ohio Home Builders - Sept 10, 2021
We are happy to announce that New City Homes was one of the top 20 home builders in Central Ohio! Thanks to Columbus Business First for compiling the annual list. Finishing 2020 as the 17th busiest Central Ohio home builder had us ready for a strong start to 2021, and we are excited to continue growing while providing desirable housing options for Central Ohio homebuyers.


40 Under 40 Awards Ceremony presented by Bizjournals - May 28, 2021
Today (May 28th, 2021), Bizjournals announced its 40 honorees that were awarded the 40 Under 40 achievement for their extraordinary hard work and dedication to their careers, as well as their community efforts and impact. Chris Knoppe, New City Homes partner, was honored as one of the awarded individuals. Below is the publication that shares each of the 40 honorees stories, and provides some context to how they earn their spot on Bizjournals; 40 Under 40.
Click for the full-length publication.

Featured Home in 2021 Urban Living Tour presented by ColumbusUnderground.com - Sunday, May 2nd, 2021
We’re excited to be a part of the 2021 Urban Living Tour organized by ColumbusUnderground.com. Join the tour and come see us at our new builds in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood, immediately East of the Short North Arts District and Italian Village.
We have several homes under construction and it's sure to be a fun day!
Here’s the Columbus Underground announcement link to this year’s tour:
https://www.columbusunderground.com/urban-living-tour-an-open-house-event-returns-sunday-may-2
Our Featured property: https://www.newcityohio.com/620e3rdave



Featured Home in 2020 Urban Living Tour presented by Columbus Underground - Aug. 30th, 2020
Our newly built house on East 2nd Ave (one of the five houses in a row that we have built this year on East 2nd Ave) in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood was featured as stop on this year’s Urban Living Tour, which showcases new developments throughout downtown and the surrounding urban neighborhoods.
Here’s the Columbus Underground announcement link to this year’s tour:
https://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-urban-living-tour-2020
Our Featured property: https://www.newcityohio.com/579e2ndave
Featured article in Columbus Underground
Mar. 10, 2020 - New Single Family Homes Planned for Milo-Grogan
New City Homes was recently featured in an exclusive article for Columbus Underground for our 5-home streetscape happening in Milo-Grogan! We've completed two homes so far elsewhere in the neighborhood and plan to develop the remaining lots incrementally over the next two years or so. Half of the parcels that we own were purchased from the Columbus Land Bank, which allowed us to offer the initial houses at a lower price than otherwise possible for new construction.
Not to mention, we also added the 15-year tax abatement that was put in place for Milo-Grogan in 2017, which will help to lower costs for the homeowners. Check out the article, sketchings and some of the progress updates below!
2018 Home Buying Seminar






Two Homes Featured in 2019 Urban Living Tour presented by Columbus Underground - May 19th, 2019
Two of our newly built homes that are side by side on East Rich Street in the Olde Towne East neighborhood were featured in the 2019 Urban Living Tour presented by Columbus Underground, which showcases new developments throughout downtown and the surrounding urban neighborhoods.
Here’s the Columbus Underground announcement link to 2019's tour:
https://www.columbusunderground.com/urban-living-tour-open-houses-real-estate-returns-mg1
Pictures can be found here:
https://www.newcityohio.com/1117erichst?utm_medium=urbanliving&utm_source=columbusunderground

A BIG "Thank You" to all of our customers
and guest speakers that attended!
Testimonials
Ryan Schneider
I recently purchased one of their new build homes in OTE. Throughout the buying process they were great to work with. Since we have moved in, we had one issue that got immediately resolved. They have been very responsive to any questions we have had since moving in. Overall very happy with our decision. (5-star Google Review)
Dylan Withrow
I see their focus on making the homes standout, in a positive way. It’s truly remarkable how they can take an old home (that needs some love) and turn it back into something beautiful. As I take a gander online and take a stroll to the properties, the work speaks for itself. I’ve always said a home is like a piece of art. I say that because art is something special and would want to show off to your family and friends. To me, New City Homes gives you an excellent start to that. Like a blank canvas with plenty of room to make it how you like.
Not to mention, with their support I’ve seen out in the communities. Food Drive donations to our local foodbanks, volunteer work - cleanup days for the communities is some the positive work I’ve noticed. With all that said, I would not think twice to live in one of their homes. To me, if a company can take the time to focus on what matters around them, I wouldn’t see there would be anything negative to their stewardship (5-star Google Review)
Luke Fay & Erika Nites
New City Staff,
We wanted to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all the hard work and effort you put into our home. We know there is a lot more that happens behind the scenes and are appreciative of all the work you all do.
Our first home is perfect and we cannot thank you enough.
Luke Fay & Erika Nites


George Talbert
I purchased a newly built home through New City and I had an amazing experience. I loved all of the upgraded features that you normally don't get with new built homes. And New City paid great attention to detail and was able to answer all of my questions and even customize features to my liking. I highly recommend New City as a builder!


Michael and Jordan
Dear Brian and the rest of the New City Family,
We wanted to take a moment and thank you for helping us build our dream house! When we started the process we were newly married and looking for the perfect home to build our life together. It just so happens at the same time you had recently broke ground on a new lot in Milo Grogan. It was a great fit from the beginning of the process and turned in to an unbelievable experience over the course of sevenmonths.
The process started when our realtor, Misty Linn, had suggested we look at your lots in Milo. We were familiar with your homes through our friends purchasing one and you were building right where we wanted to move. It seemed too good to be true and we all know how things like that end.....usually! This was different, the people at New City were different and their commitment to satisfaction and craftsmanship was different. We were amazed with the process from start to finish and couldn’t be happier with our home.
Being that we started the process early, you allowed us to pick out almost all of the interior and exterior finishes. This made the process so special to us, as you were allowing it to be customized to our needs. You were so flexible throughout the process even allowing us to redo the master bedroom closet for a custom built-in closet and add a recessed electric fireplace to the living room. Those little touches meant
a lot to us and made it feel different than most new build homes, our style had been factored into the wonderful structure.
We have heard horror stories with building houses and recently had a friend go through one with a different builder. A builder that didn’t listen, wouldn’t work with them to customize their dream home and didn’t want to involve them in the processes. I can honestly say, that was not our experience with New City and we would recommend them to everyone. Yes building a home is stressful, but I couldn’t think of a better company to put our faith and trust in then Brian and his New City team. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, - Michael & Jordan
Kaden and Abigail
This is a small thank you to you and all your staff for all of the hard work and efforts on our house. We are very appreciative of the guidance and support along the way. It is very clear that everyone truly cares about the quality of work done and our experience. We will continue spreading the word. Our house is beautiful. Words just can’t express. It’s truly a dream come true for us. Your entire process from start to finish was beyond our expectations. Everyone who walks into our home is blown away by the craftsmanship and detail. Every single team member deserves a hug for their supporting role in driving our home to the finish. Thank you again for our home.


Beth and Amanda
We chose Milo Grogan because it is a small area with so much access to everything! Right around the corner from Italian Village, Cleveland Avenue provides great access to downtown and 5th Avenue gives quick North and south access to 71. Not to mention the walkability to High Street bars, shops and restaurants! We feel as though it has a great history of caring residents who want their community to thrive. We loved the layout of the house we bought. The tax abatement was a huge draw as that could save upwards of $75,000 over the life of the abatement! New homes are going up everywhere and others are being renovated. New City Homes was extremely helpful in the process and you could tell they care about the area’s development, their customers, and the quality of their build was top notch. Thanks again for helping us find out first home. -Best, Greg and Amanda

Ben And Jill G.
The process for us was very fast, and Brian Knoppe was there when we needed him! In the middle of the school year, we were extremely pressed for time to make a family move. Our family of 5 needed size, and the home had to be near our children’s SWL School district. Yes, we had options, but we had to quickly choose between renting a big apartment, just renting a house, or buying our home from New City Ohio. My wife located the home we needed, and Brian Knoppe, and New City Ohio’s Lease Purchase Program responded to our situation! This awesome home was in our school district and of course just big enough for our family. The New City Ohio’s Lease Purchase Program is a great choice, and I recommend it 100%!!! We are so thankful to Brian and New City Ohio Team!!!

Jenni & Mark
While we didn’t take advantage of the lease purchase program, we are still very impressed by the helpfulness and honesty from Brian and his team at New City Ohio. By the time we had decided we were ready to be homeowners we had already done some work on our credit, so when we approached Brian about the lease purchase he suggested that we take a look around and see where we were in the process. I drug my feet for a few more months before taking the plunge! We lived in this house for six years before deciding that this was exactly where our family was meant to be. As a first-time home buyer who was already living in the home we were purchasing, Brian was instrumental in explaining to us the process and what to expect. If I had it to do all over again, I would have taken advantage of the lease purchase program many years ago! Thanks to Brian and New City Ohio, we are finally homeowners and better for having experienced it here!

Crystal & Phong
My husband and I would like to say thank you for helping us, giving us an opportunity and giving us time to finance the loan. We greatly appreciate you helping us in the first place. We are really happy to get a brand new house. We recommend everyone to join Brian’s Lease Purchase Program. New City Ohio’s Lease Purchase Program is #1. Again, thank you so much.

Katrina & Shawand
My husband and I have been trying to buy a house since 2015. The issues we ran into were ongoing and frustrating. We had problems with our credit issues and how we earned our income. Once we were denied a home loan we looked into the Lease Purchase Program. We were happy to get accepted into the program and even more excited with New City allowing us to pay our down payment in installments. As time went by we accumulated enough money in order to purchase the home we have lived in for almost three years. Best part of the program is when we were ready to purchase our home, the amount of credit we had was more than what was anticipated. I appreciate the program so much. We are now home buyers! Thank you.

Vanessa & Ronald
In March 2018 I received a phone call telling me that the house we resided in for 5 years was being sold and we had 60 days to vacate. This sent me into tears and almost panic. I called my husband and he said stop crying we will be ok. Days and weeks of driving around...viewing after viewing and nothing. Finally I got a notice on a website that a house was available for rent with the option to buy. I told my husband and he said he has driven past it and it seems small. I still wanted to see the inside so we scheduled a tour. As soon as I saw the back deck I feel in love. We showed our girls they feel in love. My husband was surprised that it wasn't so small. We wanted it. Now the down payment was steep at $6,500.00. Brian worked with us. We signed a 3 year lease to own contract. Every cent of our down payment would go toward the purchase of this house. A percentage of the rent as long as it was paid on time would go toward the purchase of the house and he would also give us $750 bucks toward the closing cost. We paid a little extra for a service agreement for repairs. We had to use the service agreement twice and it was smooth I called and help came. On March 15, 2019 we closed on our home in less than a year. Don't get me wrong the rent was high. But the clean...safe neighborhood we live in was worth it. Our mortgage is considerably lower than the rent and we are homeowners. Everything that Brian Knoppe and New City Ohio promised was delivered. Everyone was great and Beverly is a gem. Patient and kind answering all of my questions. We are homeowners. What I thought was an impossible dream is a reality. My husband had already claimed the house as ours because he said he wasn't going to pay rent for three years. Thanks to you all.

Joshua & Andrea
Great company to do business with! We always had all of our questions answered timely. When things needed fixed, they had someone out as soon as possible. I would recommend them to friends and family.

Holly & Steven
We cannot thank Brian and his staff enough for helping us purchase our first home. We originally found a listing online as a lease to purchase holder. We weren’t familiar with the program and Brian met with us on Christmas Eve to discuss the process. At the time, our credit needed some work and this program gave us the opportunity to get into our home while we corrected the issues. Life has thrown us some curve balls since we moved into the home in 2015 and Brian has worked with us. We never felt pressure or judgement from Brian and I am grateful for that. After 3 ½ years, we were finally in the position to purchase and were approved. This has been a dream of ours for a LONG time and finally, we can say we are home owners. I will forever be thankful to Brian for the opportunity he gave our family

Shawn & Lisa
Shawn and I found out about this lease purchase program 3 years ago. We were looking for a home, but we were not in the position to buy yet, due to having to build our credit. During these 3 years, we were able to reach our goal and purchase our 1st house with Brian Knoppe and New City Homes' help. We feel this is a very successful program and would recommend this program to everyone!

Paige & Josh
Brian did a great job. On several occasions, we were unsure if we were going to stay in the house because my dad passed away. Brian worked with us and discussed our options.