450-single family homes planned
HOUSTON — Houston Habitat for Humanity announces construction has begun on single-family homes at Robins Landing. This vibrant master-planned community will provide critically needed affordable housing along with the essential services and enhancing amenities that make a thriving community. The first phase of home construction includes 84 homes, 18 of which will be built by Houston Habitat for those earning 80 percent or below the City of Houston’s average median income (AMI) through the Habitat Homeownership program.
“When we started envisioning what could be possible for this land in 2014, it was important to us that we design something that could truly address the affordability crisis and serve as a model that could be replicated across the country. This meant building more than just homes – it meant creating a community with resources and partnerships to uplift residents and inspire families to plant roots,” said Allison Hay, executive director of Houston Habitat for Humanity. “We are ecstatic to be reaching this milestone as our vision for Robins Landing becomes a reality.”
Located near Tidwell Road and Mesa Drive in northeast Houston, Robins Landing is ultimately set to include more than 450 single-family homes. A total of one hundred homes will be built by Houston Habitat and available to participants in the Habitat Homeownership Program, which prepares aspiring homeowners for long term success through true partnership. Prospective Habitat homeowners must demonstrate a need for housing, the ability to pay back an affordable mortgage, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status, and a willingness to provide “sweat equity.”
“We are pleased to see this community taking shape in northeast Houston,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The holistic approach Houston Habitat is taking to not only build homes, but an entire community with resources to help residents thrive exemplifies what government and partnerships can do when they choose to work together for the greater good.”
The remaining homes in Robins Landing will be built and sold by partner builders CastleRock Communities and Chesmar Homes. 300 of these homes are reserved for those whose income is 120 percent or below the City of Houston AMI, with the rest of the homes available at market rate. Lots will be available to purchase through partner builders later this year.
“We are thankful to have partners like CastleRock Communities and Chesmar Homes build alongside Houston Habitat in Robins Landing. This partnership has enabled us to evolve the design of the Habitat homes in Robins Landing, and, with each builder represented on every street, there is beautiful cohesion across the community,” added Hay.
In 2021, Houston Habitat secured $33 million in funds to begin adding necessary infrastructure which delivers resiliency and supports above-ground development on the 127-acre site. This includes clearing and grading; installing sewers and utilities; developing a stormwater management system with an added 20 acres of stormwater detention; and creating streets, curbs, and residential building lots.
Houston Habitat is continuing to raise $10 million from philanthropy for above-ground features to ensure long term affordability, sustainability, and resiliency. Plans for this funding include a 12-acre central park with access to hike-and-bike trails, a neighborhood resilience hub, lot preparation and resilience for Houston Habitat homes, and more. In addition, the non-profit is collaborating with community partners to develop a Town Center with essential services and amenities.
Robins Landing is being developed by Houston Habitat in phases. Phases 1-4 will deliver all single-family lots and the central park over the next four years. Phase 5, which includes the Town Center and other resources, will be developed concurrently.
To stay up to date on Robins Landing, visit www.robinslanding.net.