Harris County is doubling down on affordable housing, targeting a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to build and support multiple developments, including a freshly-minted project, the Houston Palladium at Ella. The groundbreaking ceremony, smeared with the usual pomp, took place this past Friday, carving out a new chapter in the county's drive toward housing stability.
The Houston Palladium at Ella, set to rise at 13240 Ella Boulevard, represents a $35 million investment, courtesy of a mix of private and public funds. In a dance of numbers, Region Bank stepped up with an $18 million contribution while Harris County slid $3.4 million of its federal COVID-19 recovery stash into the pot, according to KIAH.
Not just a housing complex, but a mini-community is in the works. Residents can expect a buffet of amenities including a pool, fitness center, and a dog park, among others. With 146 units on the menu, 115 will be dished out as affordable housing, catering to various income levels within the area.
Pushing forward, Harris County isn't pulling its punches in the affordable housing bout. Six additional developments received a hearty $39.8 million boost, all part of the county's plan to sprinkle over $115 million across 18 multifamily housing projects, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. Among the selected is the Knowles-Rowland House in Midtown, nodding to Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland's roots.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, witnessing the shift from concrete and tar to a focus on the foundations of life, said, "When I took office, I tasked my staff with crafting policies and programs that build roads to opportunity and bridges to a better life for our residents." The county's embrace of housing initiatives spells a significant pivot from its traditional priorities often cemented in law enforcement and infrastructure.
The Houston Palladium at Ella promises longevity with a 99-year ground lease agreement, effectively locking in affordability for nearly a century. Families keen on the idea of a new home can circle late this year on their calendars for when pre-leasing kicks off. It's a move that holds the potential to anchor the lives of numerous citizens amidst the ever-turbulent tides of the housing market.
