In the shadow of the University of Houston in the Greater Third Ward sits a brand new three-bedroom, two-bath home located on a corner lot. With a bay window, brick façade, a two-car garage, and flowers in the yard, the home looks like it should have cost much more than the approximately $225,000 the new owner paid for it.
The home was constructed by Mayberry Homes, one of the developers who partner with the Midtown Redevelopment Authority and the Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement to build affordable housing in the Third Ward.
“MRA provides the land, but we do not build homes, so were it not for our partners there likely would be no affordable housing program,” said MRA Real Estate Manager Todd Edwards. “They understand what we are trying to accomplish and are just as committed as we are to providing a product that looks like and has all the amenities of market-rate housing but with a less expensive price tag.”
There are currently two for-profit builders and two nonprofits participating in the program.
Agape Homes CDC
Founded in 2005, Agape Homes is a nonprofit, Christian organization based in the heart of the Third Ward. Their core values are listening to neighborhood stakeholders, providing opportunities regardless of circumstances, and empowering the community for sustainability rather than dependency.
Cole Klein Builders
Cole Klein Builders was founded in 2016 for the express purpose of building affordable housing for first-time homeowners. Together, owners Vanessa Cole and Harry Klein have more than 30 years of project management, planning, development, and building experience. Their background also includes high-end custom home building and townhouse construction.
Houston Business Development, Inc.
HBDI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1986 by the City of Houston. The corporation’s mission is to stimulate economic growth, support the expansion of small businesses, combat community deterioration, and foster employment opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents in the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding counties.
Mayberry Homes
Born, raised, and still living in the Third Ward, the owner of Mayberry Homes is focused on making homeownership a reality for all individuals by providing quality new homes at exceptional value. They have a broad customer base that includes low- to moderate-income families and the middle to upper class.
Read more about the MRA/CCPPI affordable housing program and find out if you qualify here.