Canton Considers $550,000 Habitat for Humanity Agreement for Baxter Redevelopment

The City of Canton is preparing to consider a $550,000 agreement with Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio to help fund construction of new single family homes at the former Baxter Elementary School site.

The proposed contract appears on the Canton Board of Control agenda for its Aug. 11 meeting. The proposed $550,000 agreement would provide city funding toward the Baxter Landing development.” The item has not yet been approved. The redevelopment would transform the former school property into a residential neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio has identified the Baxter site as one of its major upcoming housing developments, and previous reporting has indicated plans for a 16 home neighborhood.

The project is part of a broader effort to redevelop vacant properties and expand homeownership opportunities in Canton. Earlier this year, city officials pursued additional state funding to support infrastructure improvements associated with the redevelopment.

If approved by the Board of Control, the proposed $550,000 agreement would represent one portion of the overall investment in the Baxter project. The agenda doesn't specify the total development cost or construction timeline.

The school building was demolished in 2022, leaving about 2.5 acres vacant. Canton obtained the property through a land swap with Canton City school in 2024. Habitat For Humanity and it's partners have built over 5,000 homes in Ohio.