Solicitation for Harris County Housing Finance Corporation – Eastex Fwy Apartment Project
Approximately 5.46 acres of land
Located at the northeast corner of Hamill Road and Eastex Freeway Frontage Road, Houston, Texas 77039
The Offering
Project Summary
The Eastex Multifamily Affordable Housing Project is a transformative development opportunity led by the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation (HCHFC). Located at the northeast corner of Hamill Road and Eastex Freeway Frontage Road in Houston, Texas, the project will redevelop approximately 5.46 acres into a vibrant, sustainable, and accessible community.
The development allows for a minimum of 220 affordable multifamily rental units under a financing structure anticipated to include Private Activity Bonds and 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) issued by HCHFC. Pursuant to federal requirements under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), the property was acquired using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and the project must comply with all associated affordability and tenant protection standards.
The project will emphasize green space, amenities, and support services, aligning with community priorities and Harris County’s sustainability goals. HCHFC seeks a qualified development partner to deliver innovative design, financing strategies, and execution to realize this vision.
Executive Summary
On behalf of the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation (HCHFC), a Texas non-profit corporation and public instrumentality created under the Texas Housing Finance Corporations Act, HCHFC is pleased to issue this Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified development partners (Proposers) to participate in the development of a minimum 220-unit affordable multifamily housing project on approximately 5.46 acres located at the northeast corner of Hamill Road and Eastex Freeway Frontage Road in Houston, Texas. This initiative reflects HCHFC’s mission to promote affordable housing through innovative public-private partnerships that deliver long-term affordability, sustainability, and community impact.
The proposed development (Project) will serve as a catalyst for equitable growth in the Eastex corridor, addressing critical community priorities such as affordable housing, green space, amenities, and support services. The Project is anticipated to leverage Private Activity Bonds and 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) issued by HCHFC, and will be structured under a ground lease model to ensure a 99-year affordability period. The development must comply with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) requirements, Harris County Minimum Property Standards, and the Tenant Protection Policy.
To identify the most qualified development partner, HCHFC has established a competitive proposal process governed by 2 CFR 200 and federal procurement standards. Respondents will be evaluated based on development team qualifications, financing strategy and funding gap, prior development success, affordability and neighborhood impact, and experience negotiating utility agreements. Proposals must demonstrate a clear plan to deliver high-quality construction, meet affordability thresholds (including reserving at least 80% of units for households earning 60% AMI or below), and integrate sustainable design principles.
The selected partner will enter into a limited partnership with an HCHFC affiliate, ground lease the property, and assume responsibility for financing, construction, and operations. HCHFC anticipates that the development will be funded through a combination of equity, debt, and proceeds from private activity bonds, with the developer responsible for closing any funding gaps. The partnership structure is designed to potentially confer property tax and sales tax exemptions, subject to compliance with applicable statutes.
HCHFC encourages Proposers to submit comprehensive proposals that reflect a commitment to affordability, community engagement, and long-term operational excellence. The timeline includes a pre-submittal conference on December 19, 2025, proposal submission by February 6, 2026, and anticipated selection by the HCHFC Board in March/April 2026. Following award, the selected partner will enter an Exclusive Negotiation Period to finalize partnership documents and advance toward bond and tax credit applications.
We anticipate the project type will not require Section 3, DBRA and BABA compliance, but developers should have the capability to comply with these provisions if necessary. Please let us know if you have already factored in compliance with these requirements in your proposal or not.
Offer Requirements
Required Forms and Provided Items
Exhibit A – Required Forms
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RFP Response Form
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Affidavit of Negotiation
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Certificate of Non-Suspension and Debarment
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Affidavit of Non-Collusion, Non-Conflict of Interest, and Anti-Lobbying Disclosures
Exhibit B – Background Materials
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Land Title Survey
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Aerial Map
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Landowner Title Policy
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Federal Funding Source Requirements: CDBG
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Harris County Tenant Protection Policy – Lease Addendum
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Form of CDBG Compliance Agreement
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Executed Subrecipient Agreement (including Harris County Minimum Property Standards)
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Recorded Interim Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions
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Recorded Special Warranty Deed
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Site access, context, adjacency plan, site plan examples and potential elevation rendering
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Environmental Information
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District Engineer Report and 5.46 Multifamily development will serve letter
Property Description
Location | Located at the northeast corner of Hamill Road and Eastex Freeway Frontage Road, Houston, Texas 77039 |
Size | Approximately 5.46 acres of land |
Amenities | Green space and outdoor amenities; Sound buffer for outdoor areas; Potential elevation rendering and site plan examples included |
Design | Multifamily affordable housing development with sustainable and accessible design focus |
Prime Location | Northeast Houston, near major freeway and community amenities |
Shovel-Ready | Pre-Development completed by HCHFC , including site planning by Gensler and engineering by EHRA |
Affordability Focus | Minimum 220 units; at least 51% affordable to households earning ≤80% AMI; 99-year affordability period |
Public-Private Partnership | Ground lease structure with HCHFC; financing through Private Activity Bonds and 4% LIHTC |
The Eastex Freeway Affordable Housing Development is a multifamily rental housing project located at 0 Eastex Freeway in Houston, Texas, encompassing approximately 5.46 acres. Harris County Housing Finance Corporation (HCHFC) is seeking a qualified development partner to enter into a ground lease and joint venture to construct a minimum of 220 affordable housing units, with flexibility for additional units if utility costs are covered by the proposer. The project will be financed through a combination of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Private Activity Bonds, and 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). The land is owned by HCHFC Eastex Freeway Landowner, LLC, a single-member entity wholly owned by HCHFC. The development must comply with a 99-year affordability commitment, ensuring long-term housing for low- and moderate-income residents. Key features include sound buffering from the freeway, outdoor amenities, green space, and sustainable, accessible design. All aspects of the project must align with Harris County’s Tenant Protection Policy and CDBG standards.
Project Goals
Urban Integration
4 stories with a partial 5th floor; estimated 48 units per floor, averaging 860 RSF/unit (990 GSF/unit). Total estimated units: 220
Parking
On-site surface parking with an estimated 190 spaces, approximately 0.9 spaces per unit.
Connectivity
Includes 3000 SF amenity space within the site layout, promoting community interaction.
TOD Development
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1 Bed: 55 units
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2 Bed: 110 units
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3 Bed: 55 units
Gallery
Project Goals
Affordability & Sustainability
Income Restrictions:
80% of units reserved for households earning ≤60% AMI
At least 51% of units reserved for households earning ≤80% AMI (CDBG requirement)
Affordability Period:
99 years under ground lease
Concurrent 20-year CDBG affordability period
Emphasis on sustainable design, sound buffering, and integration with public transit and pedestrian infrastructure
Community & Inclusion
Community Integration: Foster a vibrant, connected neighborhood by incorporating green space, amenities, and support services, and by engaging local organizations and businesses to strengthen community ties.
Equity & Inclusion: Encourage participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) throughout development, construction, and operations.
Design & Connectivity
Urban Integration: 4 stories with a partial 5th floor; estimated 48 units per floor, averaging 860 RSF/unit (990 GSF/unit). Total estimated units: 220
Parking: On-site surface parking with an estimated 190 spaces, approximately 0.9 spaces per unit.
Connectivity: Includes 3000 SF amenity space within the site layout, promoting community interaction.
TOD Development:
-
1 Bed: 55 units
-
2 Bed: 110 units
-
3 Bed: 55 units
Project Goals
Affordability & Sustainability
Income Restrictions:
-
80% of units reserved for households earning ≤60% AMI
-
At least 51% of units reserved for households earning ≤80% AMI (CDBG requirement)
Affordability Period:
-
99 years under ground lease
-
Concurrent 20-year CDBG affordability period
Emphasis on sustainable design, sound buffering, and integration with public transit and pedestrian infrastructure
Community & Inclusion
Community Integration: Foster a vibrant, connected neighborhood by incorporating green space, amenities, and support services, and by engaging local organizations and businesses to strengthen community ties.
Equity & Inclusion: Encourage participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) throughout development, construction, and operations.
Design & Connectivity
Urban Integration: 4 stories with a partial 5th floor; estimated 48 units per floor, averaging 860 RSF/unit (990 GSF/unit). Total estimated units: 220
Parking: On-site surface parking with an estimated 190 spaces, approximately 0.9 spaces per unit.
Connectivity: Includes 3000 SF amenity space within the site layout, promoting community interaction.
TOD Development:
-
1 Bed: 55 units
-
2 Bed: 110 units
-
3 Bed: 55 units
Market Overview & Neighborhood Insights
(3-Mile Radius)
Northeast Houston continues to experience strong demand for affordable housing, driven by population growth and a limited supply of income-restricted units. The Eastex development will deliver a minimum of 220 units, with at least 51% reserved for households earning ≤80% of AMI and 80% of units for households earning ≤60% of AMI, addressing a critical gap in housing for low- and moderate-income families.
With a 99-year affordability period and compliance with CDBG requirements, the project ensures long-term stability and community benefit. The site’s strategic location at the northeast corner of Hamill Road and Eastex Freeway offers connectivity and visibility, while design priorities emphasize sustainable and accessible features.
Backed by the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation (HCHFC), the development benefits from public-private partnership incentives, including potential property tax exemptions, sales tax savings on materials, and financing through Private Activity Bonds and 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
Population Growth
2025 population is 236,096, projected to grow to 236,954 by 2030 – a modest 0.07% annual growth rate
Household Growth
There are 74,454 households in 2025, projected to reach 76,250 by 2030, with a 0.48% annual growth rate
Renter Majority
44.6% of households are renter-occupied, indicating strong demand for high-quality rental housing
Retail Activity
93.1% of adults visited fast food/drive-in restaurants in the last 6 months; 70.7% visited family restaurants; 15.1% ordered home delivery from fast food; 24.8% purchased fine jewelry – 13% above the national average
Health & Wellness
41.2% of adults exercise at home 2+ times per week; 10.0% exercise at a club; 60.5% use vitamins or dietary supplements; Annual spending on sports and exercise equipment: $10.17M
Digital Engagement
91.5% of adults own a smartphone; 40.6% used mobile banking in the past year; 45.8% of households own internet-connected video devices; 37.7% stream movies online monthly (MPI: 107)
Leisure & Travel
44.6% of households are renter-occupied, indicating strong demand for high-quality rental housing
Located near major transit hubs and highways, the site offers quick access to METRO’s Red Line, Amtrak, and key destinations across Houston — ideal for both residents and visitors.
Located near major transit hubs and highways, the site offers quick access to METRO’s Red Line, Amtrak, and key destinations across Houston — ideal for both residents and visitors.
Transit Access
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UH Downtown – 13 min walk (0.7 mi)
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Amtrak Houston Station – 4 min drive (1.5 mi)
Airport Connectivity
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George Bush Intercontinental Airport – 10–15 min drive
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William P. Hobby Airport – 25–26 min drive
Downtown Access
Downtown Houston (Marriott Marquis) – 15 min drive
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Key Dates
Request for Proposals (RFP) Published | December 1, 2025 |
Pre-Submittal Conference | Register Here | December 19, 2025 |
Written request for further information or interpretation of the RFP requirements | December 22, 2025 |
Proposals Due | February 6, 2026 – 2:00 p.m. CST |
Anticipated Circulation of Written Interview Questions to Proposers | February 13, 2026 |
Deadline for Responses to Written Interview Questions | February 27, 2026 |
Estimated Date of Proposal Scoring | March 13, 2026 |
HCHFC Board of Directors Selection – Estimated Meeting Date | March/April, 2026 |
Beginning and End of Exclusive Negotiation Period | Period of 30 days following HCHFC Board Selection of Developer Partner |
Bond Application | May 1, 2026 |
Tax Credit Application | June, 2026 |
CDBG Funding Deadline | July 31, 2026 |
TDHCA Closing Deadline | December 31, 2026 |
Anticipated Construction Completion | August 31, 2028 |
Property Descrition & Key Dates
Location | Located at the northeast corner of Hamill Road and Eastex Freeway Frontage Road, Houston, Texas 77039 |
Size | Approximately 5.46 acres of land |
Amenities | Green space and outdoor amenities; Sound buffer for outdoor areas; Potential elevation rendering and site plan examples included |
Design | Multifamily affordable housing development with sustainable and accessible design focus |
Prime Location | Northeast Houston, near major freeway and community amenities |
Shovel-Ready | Pre-Development completed by HCHFC , including site planning by Gensler and engineering by EHRA |
Affordability Focus | Minimum 220 units; at least 51% affordable to households earning ≤80% AMI; 99-year affordability period |
Public-Private Partnership | Ground lease structure with HCHFC; financing through Private Activity Bonds and 4% LIHTC |
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