Reclaiming the Block: A Strategic Vision for Houston’s Third Ward
Houston is a city of immense opportunity, but it is also a city facing a critical crossroad. As one of the fastest-growing major metros in the country, we are in desperate need of housing and commercial infrastructure. Yet, for decades, the absence of a comprehensive growth strategy has strained our inner-city neighborhoods.
I’m Jason Hyman, founder of the Third Ward Real Estate Council. I believe that within this problem lies a massive opportunity for innovation—a solution that balances revitalization with resiliency. Our mission is to stabilize neighborhoods like the Third Ward by creating real estate models that provide housing and commercial options for everyone, across all income levels.
Embracing the "Missing Middle"
For too long, urban development has been polarized between luxury high-rises and low-density single-family homes. This leaves out the "missing middle"—the teachers, retirees, and young professionals who keep our community running.
Thankfully, Houston’s recently passed Livable Places Ordinance has opened a door for us. By updating residential regulations, the city has incentivized smaller, neighborhood-scale homes. We are leveraging this to build denser, multi-generational housing on smaller lots. These aren’t just buildings; they are "connecting corridors"—gateways that serve as the economic spine of the neighborhood, ensuring we control the narrative of our own streets.
Fostering Local Entrepreneurship
The post-COVID landscape has shifted how we use space. There is a surging demand for "mom and pop" commercial spots—small, accessible storefronts where local dreams can take root. Our plan focuses on creating these small-scale commercial hubs and business incubation sites. By supporting local entrepreneurs today, we ensure the "rooftops" we build tomorrow have a thriving, locally-owned economy to support them.
Building a Community-Led Ecosystem
True revitalization isn't something that happens to a community; it’s something that happens with it. The Third Ward Real Estate Council is building an ecosystem of local developers—people who live here, work here, and have a personal stake in our success. We aren't just looking for investors; we are looking for partners to manage project pipelines and advisors to help us compete with large-scale institutional capital.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
Our vision is bold, but our plan is practical. We are seeking an initial $10 million equity fund to acquire land, mitigate blight, and catalyze responsible development.
In the immediate term, we are looking for:
$100K in seed capital for fund administration and technology.
5 new board members with expertise in nonprofit management and real estate.
11 strategic advisors to support fundraising and acquisitions.
We already have a $1 million pipeline of projects ready to hit the ground. We have the plan, the passion, and the policy support. Now, we need the partners.
If you are interested in contributing to this initial capital raise or serving as an advisor, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can ensure that the Third Ward remains a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable home for generations to come.
