The rising sun isn’t the only thing brightening the lives of residents at Sandpiper Cove, a 192-unit affordable housing complex in Galveston: it’s the lights in the recently renovated apartments that really has residents buzzing.
Built in 1971, Sandpiper Cove is in the midst of extensive renovations planned by the ITEX group, the new owner of the section-8 property. Many residents in the first wave of renovations commented on the significant difference that the new, brighter lighting provided to their renovated apartments.
Most of all, residents are excited about the vast improvements that are being rolled out, apartment-by-apartment, across the complex.
“It was so exciting,” said resident Chekevia Robinson, “I was so happy when I walked into my new apartment. It was like, ‘Oh my God, out with the old, in with the new.’ New decorations. Just a new start.”
“The renovations and new amenity spaces were designed to provide residents with an improved quality of life and standard of living,” said ITEX CEO Chris Akbari. “With local partnerships with the City of Galveston, Nautical Affordable Housing and other stakeholders, our goal for Sandpiper Cove is to provide a transformational impact for attainable living on the island and the economic and social success of our residents.”
“The changes make a big difference,” said resident Larry Brooks. He noted that the property’s previous conditions were not nearly as attractive.
Angela Brooks, who is visually impaired, noted that, “It feels bigger,” and that she can better navigate her residence in her wheelchair.
ITEX and co-owner Jeshurun Development, LLC was able to complete the purchase and start the rehabilitation with financing from Citi Community Capital, Affordable Housing Partners, INC, and Foss & Company. J. Allen Management Company is managing the property with ITEX providing social services.
Built with historic tax credits, the project would also not have been possible without the support of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
