In the 1970s, Columbus launched a unique housing initiative aimed at revitalizing inner-city neighborhoods: the Urban Homesteading Lottery. This program gave 32 lucky residents the chance to purchase vacant homes for just $1, with the stipulation that they would rehabilitate the properties and live in them for at least four years.
The program kicked off in September 1975, when 32 hopefuls gathered at City Council Chambers to have their names drawn from a fishbowl.
The city required applicants to meet certain eligibility criteria, including having the financial means to cover the cost of repairs.
Among the winners were Dr. Richard Williams, the chair of the Arts and Sciences Division at Franklin University, and his wife, Norma, a sculptor. The couple won the home at 955 S. Champion Avenue, just a short walk from Richard’s job. For them, this house was more than just a place to live—it was a creative project. They envisioned filling the space with country-style antiques, creating a gourmet kitchen for their shared love of cooking, and building a studio for Norma’s artwork.
The Williamses estimated that it would take around $3,000 to rehabilitate the house—a sum that would be equivalent to roughly $16,232 today. They planned to handle the renovations without taking out a loan, demonstrating their commitment to transforming the property into a dream home.
The Urban Homesteading Program wasn’t just a way for families to acquire homes cheaply; it was also a way to breathe new life into neglected areas and restore community pride. The program aimed to tackle the issue of vacant homes, with the hopes that new owners would invest in the neighborhoods for the long term.
Richard and Norma Williams owned 955 S. Champion Avenue for about 14 years, selling it in 1989.
The home briefly had a different owner before being sold again in 1991 to Buckeye Homes & Rentals, which has held the property ever since. Although the house has changed hands, the legacy of the Urban Homesteading Program remains a significant chapter in the city’s history.
The Urban Homesteading Lottery demonstrates how creative urban policies can foster community reinvestment and neighborhood revitalization. Through this innovative program, Columbus gave residents the opportunity to transform both their homes and their communities, one $1 house at a time.
