(photo courtesy of The Montrose Center)
As a continuation of our affordable housing initiatives, Midtown Houston has advanced its effort to work in partnership with community-based entities to produce affordable housing. More specifically, Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) supported the production of an affordable housing senior living project, the Law Harrington Senior Living Center located in Southeast Houston.
The property located at 2222 Cleburne Street, valued at $5.1 million, was acquired by the MRA in December of 2007. Local consultants and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) remediated the property of its environmental hazards to meet development and housing standards, a process that took eight years. In February 2015, MRA received official notification that the remediation process was completed and deemed the property suitable for housing development. The MRA granted the property to the Montrose Center in the fourth quarter of 2015 to develop what is now the Law Harrington Senior Living Center.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, at least nine seniors are waiting for one occupied unit of affordable elderly housing nationwide. So this development is imperative in supporting senior residents that are facing rising rents and property taxes.
“When developing our comprehensive, affordable housing program, we recognized the ongoing changes in the Greater Third Ward and surrounding communities and our ability to assist with the reduction of displacement and homelessness,” stated Todd Edwards, Real Estate Asset Manager for Midtown Houston. “Further, we understand that we can’t solve this problem alone. We’re excited to see the Law Harrington Senior Living facility completed and now leasing to eligible seniors.”
The senior center features 112 one and two-bedroom independent living apartments for low-income individuals and couples. The Law Harrington Senior Living Center is open to all seniors who meet the income guidelines. Seniors who are eligible to reside in the development rental payments will not exceed 30% of their income. The development will feature geriatric primary care, social services department, group dining facilities, outdoor recreation inclusive of a vegetable garden, a fitness center, game and meeting rooms, LGBTQ+ services, and a dog park.
The Midtown partnership formed to serve families in need, grow neighborhoods, and address Houston’s anticipated population increase. Partners included former Mayor Annise D. Parker and State Representative Garnet G. Coleman, honorary co-chairs of the development, the Montrose Center, and other community partners to provide dedicated housing and services to senior citizens. Legacy Community, a local full-service Federally Qualified Health Center that works to meet the unmet needs and gaps in health-related services and develop client-centered programs will be housed on the property to ensure the long-term health of the residents of Law Harrington.
To learn more about living at the Law Harrington Senior Living Center contact 713.497.5549 to schedule an in-person appointment.
References: the Montrose Center