$33M Hartwood at Spring Shadows Opens, Expanding Affordable Housing in Houston

HOUSTON — In a major step toward easing Houston’s affordable housing shortage, local leaders, developers, and residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Hartwood at Spring Shadows, a $33 million housing community in the city’s Spring Branch neighborhood.

Located at 4014 Clarblak Lane, the newly opened 125-unit complex offers high-quality homes designed for families earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), alongside 13 market-rate units. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments come with modern amenities that rival market-rate communities — including a resort-style pool, dog park, playground, fitness center, business and conference rooms, and an outdoor grilling area.

The project arrives at a critical time for Harris County. According to Rice University’s Kinder Institute “My Home is Here” study, the county needs more than 20,000 new affordable units annually to keep up with demand. Hartwood at Spring Shadows is among several collaborative developments designed to close that gap through public-private partnerships.

A Partnership Rooted in Community Investment

The development was realized through the collaboration of Blazer Real Estate Services, Blazer Building, CVS Health®, the Harris County Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation (HCHFC), Amegy Bank, the Memorial Hermann Foundation, and Boston Financial Investment Management.

Funding for the project came from multiple sources, including:

• $17 million from CVS Health through Boston Financial Investment Management
• 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• $10 million in U.S. Treasury ARPA funds from Harris County
• Construction loans from Amegy Bank and the Memorial Hermann Foundation

“Hartwood at Spring Shadows reflects our belief that everyone deserves a safe, welcoming place to call home,” said Nathan Kelley, Chief Financial Officer and Co-head of Development at Blazer Building Services. “When families have access to affordable housing, they can focus on building stability, pursuing opportunities, and putting down roots in their community. We’re proud to see this project come to life and to know it will make a real difference for Houstonians.”

Rene Martinez, Executive Director of the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation, echoed that sentiment. “We’re proud to see Hartwood at Spring Shadows open its doors to residents who have been waiting for a place like this,” he said. “We’re working to expand access to safe, high-quality housing for those who need it most. Harris County faces a shortage of more than 20,000 affordable homes each year, and communities like this one help close that gap and bring lasting stability to the people who live here.”

To ensure long-term affordability, HCHFC owns the land and is providing a 99-year ground lease. Mucasey & Associates served as the project’s architect, while Blazer Building oversaw construction.

Health and Housing Intersect

CVS Health’s investment represents a growing focus on housing as a key social determinant of health. The company has invested more than $232 million in affordable housing across Texas, including $38.1 million in Harris County alone.

Through its Project Health program, CVS Health continues to support residents with free health screenings, connecting them to preventive care and wellness services. To date, the company has hosted 279 Project Health events in Texas, serving more than 16,000 participants and providing over 65,000 screenings statewide.

“Health and well-being begin with access to stable housing,” said Stephanie Rogers, Chief Executive Officer at Aetna Better Health of Texas, a CVS Health company. “Our investment in Hartwood at Spring Shadows is a strong example of how CVS Health is addressing the root causes of health disparities, like housing insecurity, by creating lasting, community-based solutions that support healthier futures for Houstonians.”

A Blueprint for Future Development

As Harris County continues to battle rising housing costs and population growth, Hartwood at Spring Shadows demonstrates the impact of coordinated local action. The project not only adds critically needed housing stock but also strengthens the community through design, amenities, and accessibility.

By blending innovative financing, long-term affordability protections, and corporate-community partnerships, the project stands as a model for how other regions can approach the challenge of affordable housing in a sustainable and inclusive way.

Originally reported by HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION in Multi Family Dive.