MIXED INCOME HOUSING

Since the 1970s, Gulfton and Sharpstown have welcomed newcomers from around the world, becoming one of Houston’s most vibrant and diverse communities. But as the city grows, pressure on older, naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) has intensified—leading to disrepair, displacement, and loss of affordability. Connect Community has stepped in to fill this gap, creating well-maintained, affordable, mixed-income housing like Connect Highstar Apartments. This development is part of a broader, community-led vision to expand access to quality housing, green space, public services, and shared amenities that benefit all who call this neighborhood home.

Strategy

Connect Community focuses on implementable strategies for preserving and/or building the sequence of affordable housing choices that new immigrant Houstonians need at various stages of their journey. 

DATA

60%

Over 60% of renters in the census tract containing Connect Highstar Apartments are considered to be cost-burdened.

32,000

The area contains nearly 32,000 households but only 4 LIHTC projects totalling 746 units out of over 15,000 apartment units in the neighborhood.

3/4

Three-quarters of the housing stock was built prior to 1980 and qualifies as naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH).

4%

Only 4% of residents own their own home, primarily due to lack of ownership options.

PROGRESS

Phase 1 of our housing strategy was completed in December 2024.
Connect Highstar Apartments, located at 6440 Hillcroft St., includes 77 units of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments between 30% AMI and market rate in the heart of the community-walkable to healthcare, grocery stores, community center, library and schools.

PARTNERS:

Development Team:
Developer – Brinshore Development, Chicago-based/operating nationally
Architect – Alley Poyner Macchietto, Omaha NE
Contractor – Camden Builders
Construction Lender – Capital One

Management Team:
Property Manager – Asset Living, operating nationally
Service Coordination – Enhanced Resident Services & Consulting, Houston based

TOTAL INVESTMENT PHASE 1:

$35.3M

$14 MM – 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
$12 MM – Community Development Block Grants-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)
$4.08 MM Permanent Debt Financing
$3 MM – Soft Debt Financing

INITIATIVES

Connect Highstar Apts.

 Textile Lab and Entrepreneurship Center 

RESOURCES

Gulfton Urban Planning and Adaptive Reuse Feasibility Study

NEWS & EVENTS

Connect Highstar Apts Press Release 

Groundbreaking Event

Lease Up