The non-profit organization Improve Oxford Now (ION) is set to launch their second house renovation project, aiming to expand affordable housing options in the community. President Sarah Smith and Vice-President Jessica Henninge stand in front of the house selected for renovation. (Submitted photo)

OXFORD — The non-profit organization Improve Oxford Now (ION) is set to launch its second house renovation project, aiming to expand affordable housing options in the community.

The property, located at 27 State Street, caught the eye of ION President Sarah Smith during her daily commute.

Smith and ION Vice President Henninge will lead the project, continuing their efforts to address local housing shortages and create moderately priced opportunities in Oxford. Smith believes demand for housing in the area is high, but inventory remains limited.

Securing the house required persistence. An initial offer was declined, but after a second offer in the spring and subsequent negotiations, the seller accepted the purchase.

“Although we paid more for this house than we wanted, it fit our mission and we had our hearts set on it,” Smith said.

Smith noted that a major initial challenge will be the high cost of cleaning out the property. However, the organization has secured contractors and hopes for a quick turnaround to project completion.

“Unfortunately, we sometimes have to do projects out of order due to timing, like painting first, but we have to complete work when people are available,” she said.

Immediate next steps include gathering quotes, solidifying a timeline, and applying for grants.

Smith said the long-term goal is to restore the house and sell it by the spring of 2027.

Henninge echoed business partner Smith’s sentiment, saying she looks forward to restoring the property to its former glory.

“I’m overjoyed to take this tough one and brighten up the neighborhood,” said Henninge. “It’s a beautiful corner and has a great side yard, with a garage in the rear.”

She noted the house was once home to gardens maintained by the former owner, a founder of the Oxford Garden Club.

ION’s first renovation project began in August 2024 at 54 North Washington Avenue, a property donated by Blue Ox President Jared Bartle and Vice President Julia Miller. That project cost $140,000 and the home eventually sold for $200,000.

The Oxford Revitalization Project was established in 1979 and became Promote Oxford Now about ten years later.

Since then, the organization has sponsored many area events. However, it wasn't until Smith and Henninge were reorganizing during the Oxtober Festival that Smith sensed a local need for affordable housing.

Donations to support ION’s mission can be made via the "Promote Oxford Now!" Facebook page or mailed to Improve Oxford Now, P.O. Box 11, Oxford, New York, 13830.

For more information, visit the Promote Oxford Now! Facebook page.