~Local housing development getting a breath of fresh air~
(San Antonio, TX) – Franklin Development and the Port Isabel Housing Authority have teamed up to develop Artisan at Port Isabel – a 73-unit affordable multifamily apartment community in Port Isabel, Texas. Franklin Development is currently “breaking ground” at what used to be Villa Del Mar I & II, at 106 Port Road 78578.
Artisan at Port Isabel will be Franklin Development’s eleventh affordable multifamily property in Texas and the first outside the San Antonio and Dallas/Ft Worth markets. This property will feature upgraded interiors, a business center equipped with several computer stations, community laundry facility, an adult education classroom, community room with kitchen, playground, children’s activity center, and shell space for a future community organization tenant. A variety of tenant services will be provided such as children’s afternoon recreational activities and tutoring, and various adult educational and social services.
In 2009, Franklin Development and the Port Isabel Housing Authority began laying the political and financial groundwork that would eventually make the proposed project a reality. After a rigorous and competitive application process, housing tax credits and HOME funds were awarded to the development, and serve as the two key sources of funding. With the help of the Port Isabel Housing Authority, the neighborhood and surrounding community will be transformed into a model for revitalization and modernization. Ryan Wilson, Vice President of Franklin Development, says “The Artisan at Port Isabel development has been the vision of Franklin, the Port Isabel Housing Authority, city officials, and the community, and will provide a vital link for working families to enjoy Class A quality living. This luxury development will be one of Port Isabel’s premier apartment communities.”
Mayor, Joe E. Vega, of Port Isabel says, “I am excited about this wonderful project that will improve the quality of life and provide better housing opportunities for the area residents. I am pleased to know that many families will have a more comfortable and affordable place to live. With this, Port Isabel continues to make strides in the right direction. I would like to thank the Port Isabel Housing Authority, Franklin Development, the community, and City Officials for working together in supporting this great endeavor and making this project come to fruition.” Judy Sanchez, Executive Director of the Port Isabel Housing Authority, agrees, adding, “I am finally seeing the picture and realizing that it is happening. I am very excited and can’t wait for everyone to see this new complex. This project will definitely improve the quality of life for our residents. Our mission is to ensure that quality affordable housing opportunities exist for families of low income.”
Franklin Development is a San Antonio based company founded in 1995 by Aubra Franklin. By 2003 the company was named as one of the Top 50 multi-family development companies in the nation. Franklin is a fully integrated real estate development company which includes development, management and construction services. The company has excelled in multifamily development, specifically in the affordable and seniors markets. The company holds ownership interest and property management in over 4,000 units and currently employs 300 office and field staff.
Members of the media are invited to join us at a press conference celebrating the Ground Breaking of Artisan at Port Isabel on Thursday, February 2nd at 2:00pm at the site of Artisan at Port Isabel (106 Port Road, Port Isabel TX 78578). There will also be entertainment as well as refreshments so come join the fun! Mayor Joe Vega, executive director of Port Isabel housing authority, Judy Sanchez, and the Port Isabel Building Inspector, Larry Ellis will share the excitement about the project. Please contact Caitlin Dvorak at Outside the Box Productions for more information 210.481.1200 or caitlin@outsidetheboxevents.com.
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