Hoffman School and St. Mark Church to Head to Auction
Cincinnati residents face the sale of two historic sites as the developer plans a new apartment complex nearby.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Commercial
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Developer Kingsley + Co. has listed the historic Hoffman School and St. Mark Church in Cincinnati for public auction this fall. Both properties are being sold as the developer shifts its focus toward a new $36 million apartment complex in the area.
Why it matters
These auctions signal a major change for the Evanston landscape, as the developer cites a lack of financial viability for renovating the century-old buildings. The outcome of these sales will determine whether the historic structures are preserved or face demolition to make way for new development.
The 1922 Hoffman School lists with a $750,000 starting bid, while the 48,000-square-foot St. Mark Church campus begins at $150,000. Auctions are set for late October and mid-November 2026.
The players
Kingsley + Co.
A real estate development firm currently managing the transition of historic community sites into modern residential housing.
Chinedum Ndukwe
The current owner who purchased the St. Mark Church building in 2022.
The details
Kingsley + Co. placed the properties on the market after determining that restoring the aging buildings no longer aligns with their development strategy. Zoning approvals were granted in 2024 to allow for the potential demolition of the Hoffman School. The developer plans to move forward with a 240-unit Mingo apartment complex on the land directly behind the school site regardless of the auction outcome.
Timeline
Oct. 26-28, 2026: St. Mark Church auction.
Nov. 16-18, 2026: Hoffman School auction.
The Home Front
The listing of these sites marks a departure from the use of State Historic Preservation Tax Credits previously awarded to encourage adaptive reuse of the structures. This development highlights the increasing tension between maintaining historic architectural character and meeting modern density goals in Cincinnati neighborhoods.
Residents in Evanston should monitor the upcoming auctions to see if the properties are purchased by preservationists or developers. If you own property in the surrounding blocks, consider tracking local zoning hearing notices to stay informed about the potential impact of the planned 240-unit apartment complex.
The takeaway
These auctions represent a significant pivot in local land use as historic properties reach the end of their current life cycles. Neighbors should keep an eye on these auction dates to understand the future character of the area.
What happens next
The St. Mark Church auction is scheduled for Oct. 26-28, 2026, followed by the Hoffman School auction on Nov. 16-18, 2026.
Further reading
For more on how local development shifts affect the regional landscape, visit Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cincinnati Public Radio.
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