City of Houston Celebrates Grand Opening of Old Spanish Trail Lofts

Expanding Affordable Housing and Community Opportunities

September 10, 2025 -- Houston, Texas -- The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), in partnership with Tejano Center for Community Concerns, MREC Companies, and community leaders, recently celebrated the grand opening of the Old Spanish Trail (OST) Lofts, a 130-unit affordable rental housing community that combines high-quality homes with onsite resources designed to support families and strengthen the surrounding neighborhood.

Located in Houston’s OST/South Union area, the development represents a strategic investment in revitalizing one of the city’s historic communities. Supported by $19.3 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery 2017 (CDBG-DR 17) funds, OST Lofts offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with thoughtful design and built-in resiliency, including three strategically placed generators to provide reliable backup power.

This community reflects our commitment to making sure every Houstonian, no matter their income, has access to safe, affordable housing in a neighborhood where they can thrive,” said Derek Sellers, Deputy Director of HCD. “OST Lofts is more than an investment in housing. It’s an investment in people, in opportunity, and in Houston’s future.”

Beyond housing, OST Lofts offers amenities that foster stability and growth, including a community room, a business center, and an onsite Pre-K center operated by the RYSS Academy at OST. “By giving children a strong educational foundation, we’re helping to create brighter futures not only for our students, but for their families as well,” said Dr. Adriana Tamez, President & CEO of the RYSS Academy at OST.

High-quality affordable housing and early childhood education are essential elements to thriving individuals and family outcomes. MREC is proud to be part of this collaboration,” added Donna Rickenbacker of MREC Companies.

OST Lofts is conveniently located within two miles of public transportation, parks, a public library, a grocery store, and a pharmacy, ensuring that families have access to the services and conveniences they need day to day.

For residents, the impact is deeply personal. “Having an affordable home in a safe community means everything to my family,” said Raven Lee. “The resources here, especially the Pre-K and community spaces, give us the chance to build a better future together.”

OST Lofts adds 130 resilient, affordable homes to Houston’s housing landscape, strengthening the OST/South Union community today and laying a foundation for generations to come.

For more images from the OST Lofts ribbon cutting, visit our official gallery .

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The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) department makes long-term investments to improve the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will invest approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funds this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at http://houstontx.gov/housing.