FHLB Dallas, Texas Regional Bank Fund $1.1M Affordable Housing Conversion
The Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville (HACB) has officially celebrated the grand opening of the historic El Jardin, now transformed into a vibrant, affordable residential community in downtown Brownsville, Texas. This milestone represents years of planning, collaboration, and investment aimed at revitalizing a long-vacant landmark while addressing the growing need for quality, affordable housing in the region. A key component of the project’s success was a $1.1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas through its member institution, Texas Regional Bank.
The reopening of El Jardin stands as a testament to the power of public-private partnerships and strategic funding initiatives. By blending historic preservation with modern housing solutions, the project delivers both cultural and social value to the Brownsville community.
From Historic Hotel to Modern Affordable Living
Originally constructed in 1927, El Jardin operated as a hotel for decades and served as a prominent fixture in downtown Brownsville. Its architectural presence reflected the city’s rich history and cultural vibrancy. However, after closing in the late 1980s, the property remained vacant for nearly 40 years. Over time, the once-bustling hotel became a reminder of untapped potential in the heart of the city.
Today, El Jardin has been reimagined as an eight-story apartment building offering 44 affordable housing units. The development includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed to accommodate individuals and families of varying sizes. Each unit has been thoughtfully designed to combine modern comfort with elements that preserve the building’s historic character.
The adaptive reuse of El Jardin not only restores an iconic structure but also provides safe, high-quality housing options for residents who might otherwise struggle to find affordable accommodations in downtown Brownsville. By repurposing an existing building rather than constructing a new one, the project also contributes to sustainable urban development practices.
The Role of the Affordable Housing Program Grant
The $1.1 million AHP grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas played a critical role in making the redevelopment financially viable. Through Texas Regional Bank, the funding helped cover essential repairs and closing costs that were necessary to move the project forward.
Carla Mancha, CEO of HACB, emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing El Jardin back to life. She described the redevelopment as a powerful example of what can happen when public agencies and private institutions unite around a shared vision. According to Mancha, the AHP grant enabled HACB to address significant structural and financial challenges that could have otherwise stalled or derailed the project.
In addition to her leadership role at HACB, Mancha also serves on the Affordable Housing Advisory Council of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. Her dual involvement highlights the strong connection between local housing leadership and regional financial institutions committed to community investment.
The Affordable Housing Program is designed to support the purchase, construction, and rehabilitation of housing for low- to moderate-income households. Funds are distributed through member institutions like Texas Regional Bank, which work closely with community partners to identify projects that align with local needs. The program supports owner-occupied housing, rental developments, transitional housing, and initiatives aimed at assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.
Preserving Brownsville’s Architectural Heritage
El Jardin is located within Brownsville’s Historic Overlay District, a designation that ensures the preservation of significant architectural and cultural assets within the city. This added layer of responsibility and complexity to the redevelopment process, as renovations needed to comply with preservation standards while also modernizing the building for residential use.
By maintaining the building’s historic façade and structural character, the project honors Brownsville’s architectural heritage. At the same time, interior renovations have equipped the property with updated infrastructure, safety features, and amenities necessary for contemporary living.
The combination of historic preservation and affordable housing is particularly meaningful in urban centers like Brownsville. Revitalizing landmark properties helps maintain a sense of place and identity, while new residential opportunities bring increased activity, economic vitality, and long-term stability to downtown areas.
Strengthening Community Through Partnership
Michael Scaief, Chairman and CEO of Texas Regional Bank, highlighted the importance of bringing the right tools and partners together to achieve impactful redevelopment. He expressed pride in the role the bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas played in helping turn the vision for El Jardin into a reality.
Scaief noted that the project not only honors Brownsville’s past but also opens doors for families to build their futures in a thriving downtown environment. The collaboration between HACB, Texas Regional Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas demonstrates how financial institutions can work alongside housing authorities to create tangible, lasting community benefits.
Greg Hettrick, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, also underscored the broader significance of projects like El Jardin. By combining affordable housing initiatives with historic preservation, developments of this kind breathe new life into neighborhoods and create a stronger foundation for long-term growth.
Addressing Critical Housing Needs in Brownsville
Like many cities across Texas and the United States, Brownsville faces increasing demand for affordable housing. Rising construction costs, population growth, and economic pressures have made it more difficult for low- and moderate-income families to secure stable housing near employment centers, schools, and essential services.
The redevelopment of El Jardin directly addresses this need by adding 44 affordable units in a central, accessible location. Residents will benefit from proximity to downtown amenities, public services, and community resources. The project’s strategic location enhances convenience and reduces transportation burdens, which can significantly impact household budgets.
By transforming a long-vacant property into productive residential space, HACB and its partners have not only expanded housing availability but also contributed to the broader revitalization of downtown Brownsville. Increased residential occupancy can stimulate local businesses, improve neighborhood safety, and foster a renewed sense of community pride.
A Model for Future Redevelopment Projects
El Jardin stands as a model for how communities can successfully blend historic preservation with affordable housing development. The project illustrates the value of leveraging grant funding, local financial partnerships, and strategic planning to overcome economic and structural challenges.
The collaboration among HACB, Texas Regional Bank, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas demonstrates that meaningful transformation is possible when organizations align their resources and expertise toward shared goals. By restoring a historic landmark and converting it into quality affordable housing, the partners have created a development that serves both present and future generations.
As Brownsville continues to grow and evolve, projects like El Jardin provide a roadmap for sustainable urban renewal. Through thoughtful investment and cooperative effort, communities can preserve their heritage while meeting critical housing needs—ensuring that progress and preservation go hand in hand.
Source Link: https://www.businesswire.com/
