DESCRIPTION
The adaptive re-use of St. Elizabeth Place is a 2.5-acre site located on the Fifth Ward’s commercial and cultural corridor, blocks from Interstate 10 with views of the Houston skyline. The project of 179 affordable dwelling units includes the adaptive reuse of the historic hospital with 62 units, adaptive reuse of the historic convent of 23 units, and the construction of an additional 94 unit five-story residential building. Utilizing both Historic Tax Credits and Low Income Housing Tax Credits, St. Elizabeth Place transforms a derelict property into a vibrant affordable housing community, thus helping revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.
Redevelopment of this block into a residential place represents an unparalleled opportunity to reestablish the Lyons corridor as a cultural district combining business, residential, arts and culture in a collaborative environment.
VISION
This project aims to capitalize on St. Elizabeth’s historical presence and offer a rejuvenating look at the multi-family housing block and create a transformational development on the Lyons Ave. Corridor.
Adaptive Re-use DESIGN FEATURES
- Historic preservation and adaptive re-use of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Convent
- Parking and landscaped courtyard
- 112 surface parking lot
- Resident community center
- Secured block
Project Information
- Client: 5th Ward Community Redevelopment Corp.
- Building size/acres: 114,730 sq.ft./ 2.63 acres
- Density: 110 units
VMWP Renovation and Historic Adaptive Re-Use Experience
VMWP has extensive experience with renovation and adaptive re-use projects, including historic rehabilitations for senior housing, master plans for expansions for church and worship support spaces, office and motel conversions, and more practical renovations for affordable housing.
It is sometimes difficult for people to envision a new and unique solution that may be more cost effective or provide better quality living for the residents. We are a pragmatic design team, who thinks out of the box for innovative, cost effective solutions. We look beyond the existing conditions, to achieve a better solution – uncoupling the potential from the limitations.