A New Blueprint for Well-Being: Thrive on Crawford Debuts in Fort Worth
In a landmark moment for Texas urban development, The NRP Group and JPS Health Network have officially opened Thrive on Crawford. This 67-unit mixed-income community in Fort Worth represents more than just a new apartment complex; it is the first “Health and Housing” development in the state, signaling a radical shift in how city leaders and developers view the relationship between where we live and how we heal.
Located at 1310 Crawford Street, the development sits at the intersection of social necessity and clinical innovation. By physically bridging the gap between affordable housing and professional medical services, Thrive on Crawford aims to tackle the “social determinants of health”—the environmental conditions that often dictate a person’s long-term wellness more than their genetic code.
Housing as the Foundation of Health
Thrive on Crawford arrives at a critical time for Tarrant County, where the demand for affordable, high-quality housing continues to outpace supply. The development is thoughtfully structured to serve a diverse economic demographic:
- Income-Restricted Units: The majority of the 67 homes are reserved for families earning 30%, 50%, and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Market-Rate Units: Seven units are available at market rates, fostering a true mixed-income environment.
- Healthcare Workforce Housing: Its proximity to the medical district makes it an ideal home for healthcare workers, young professionals, and families who want to live near the heart of Fort Worth’s Magnolia Avenue district.
“Thrive on Crawford was designed to go beyond traditional affordable housing,” said Max Whipple, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group. By integrating wellness services and quality amenities into the fabric of the community, the project offers a “health-first” lifestyle that is often inaccessible to lower-income families.
The JPS Partnership: Clinical Care at the Front Door
The most striking feature of the development is the 2,200 square feet of Class-A commercial space leased to JPS Health Network. This isn’t just a satellite office; it is a strategic outpost situated adjacent to JPS’s ambitious $2.1 billion bond program expansion.
For residents, this means primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, cardiology, and oncology services are not a bus ride away—they are downstairs. Dr. Karen Duncan, President and CEO of JPS Health Network, emphasized that this partnership demonstrates what is possible when healthcare systems step outside the traditional hospital walls to engage with the community directly.
“Thrive on Crawford is a prime example of how healthcare can extend beyond traditional clinical settings to address the determinants of health,” Dr. Duncan noted.
Amenities Built for Upward Mobility
The NRP Group, known for its “best-in-class” management, has outfitted the community with features that rival luxury urban developments. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments boast high-end finishes, modern cabinetry, and private patios.
However, the communal spaces are where the “Thrive” mission truly comes to life:
- Fitness & Wellness: A 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor playground encourage physical activity for all ages.
- Professional Growth: A business center equipped with individual work pods caters to the modern remote-work landscape.
- Social Connection: A luxurious lounge and cafe area provide space for neighbors to connect.
Beyond the physical hardware, the development offers “software” in the form of onsite resident service programs. These include adult literacy workshops, financial literacy training, and after-school programs for youth—tools designed to help families break cycles of poverty and achieve long-term financial stability.
A Collaborative Financial Victory
Bringing a complex, mission-driven project like this to fruition required a sophisticated quilt of financing. The project was supported by J.P. Morgan Chase and Berkadia, with tax credit equity managed by Red Stone Equity Partners. Additional support flowed from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Near Southside Financing Zone TIF.
Annette Reschke, Executive Director of J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking, highlighted that the project “raises the bar” for community redevelopment. It proves that with the right stakeholders—including co-developers Wynne Jackson and Servitas—private capital can be successfully leveraged for the public good.
The Future of the Metroplex
Thrive on Crawford marks The NRP Group’s fourth national “Health and Housing” development and its first in Texas. With over 6,000 units developed across 27 properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, NRP is doubling down on the Metroplex.
As Dustin Austin, Board Chair of the Tarrant County Hospital District Public Facility Corporation, put it: affordable housing is the “foundation of resilient communities.” By placing a clinic inside a residential building, Fort Worth is no longer just housing people—it is actively sustaining them.
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