The Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville (HACB), Texas Regional Bank (TRB), and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) joined community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of El Jardin, a historic property redeveloped into an affordable residential community in downtown Brownsville, Texas.
The redevelopment was supported in part by a $1.1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from FHLB Dallas through member Texas Regional Bank.
Originally built in 1927, El Jardin operated as a hotel until the late 1980s. The property, which sat vacant for about 40 years, is reopening as an eight-story apartment building with 44 affordable housing units containing one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
“This project is a testament to what can happen when public and private partners come together to preserve history and meet critical housing needs,” said HACB CEO Carla Mancha. “Thanks to the AHP grant from FHLB Dallas, we were able to tackle critical repairs and closing costs, which brought this project to life.” Ms. Mancha also serves on FHLB Dallas’ Affordable Housing Advisory Council.
The project is located in Brownsville’s Historic Overlay District, ensuring the preservation of the city’s architectural heritage.
“El Jardin shows what’s possible when local housing leaders and community partners bring the right tools to the table,” said Texas Regional Bank Chairman and CEO Michael Scaief. “We’re proud the AHP grant and our partnership with FHLB Dallas helped move this redevelopment from plan to reality, honoring Brownsville’s past and opening doors for families to thrive in the future.”
AHP funds are awarded through FHLB Dallas member institutions like Texas Regional Bank and assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction and rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing, as well as housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“Projects like El Jardin breathe new life into neighborhoods,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “By combining affordable housing with historic preservation, we’re helping strengthen the city of Brownsville for years to come.”
Learn more about the FHLB Dallas Affordable Housing Program.
About TRB Economic Development & Public Funds
TRB Economic Development & Public Funds is a specialized team within Texas Regional Bank focused on supporting communities, governments, and public-sector entities across Texas. The group works at the intersection of public policy, infrastructure, and finance, partnering with local, state, and regional stakeholders to advance economic development priorities and manage public funds.
Backed by the strength of Texas Regional Bank’s diversified financial services platform, TRB’s Economic Development & Public Funds team brings experience across both the public and private sectors, providing tailored solutions that support long-term community growth and fiscal stewardship.
For more information about TRB Eco. Dev. & Public Funds, visit trb.bank/public-sector.
