LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A downtown building that sat vacant for years reopened Tuesday as an apartment complex for low-income residents.
The Inn Town Lofts held its grand opening, marking the transformation of the former Inn Towne Inn and later the Jim Kimmel Center. The development includes 56 units — 42 in the renovated building and 14 in a new structure built alongside it.
“Looking up at these walls that sat dark and silent for so many years, it is hard not to feel the weight of this moment,” said Jordan Tolman, chief operating officer of Housing Trust Group. “Because what we’re celebrating is not just the opening of a building, it’s a return of one.”
Housing Trust Group and AM Affordable Housing developed the complex. Tolman said collaboration with local leaders was essential.
“This has to be, when we’re doing affordable housing, an area where the local civic leaders really want to bring something special to a community,” Tolman said. “We are very proud the leaders of Lubbock worked with us hand-in-hand for many years to bring this to life.”
AM Affordable Housing is a nonprofit created by NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning. The organization targets families earning at or below 30%, 50%, 60% and 80% of the area median income.
“Being able to come to a city and plant a positive seed, create some growth and revitalize an area you know where we know it’s going to be more of a destination for people to come,” Mourning said. “It’s pretty exciting to provide a safe haven for families.”
Texas has just 26 affordable homes available for every 100 low-income households, according to the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service.
Mayor Pro-Tem Christy Martinez-Garcia, who represents the district where the building is located, attended the opening.
“More people living downtown means a better community for everyone,” Martinez-Garcia said. “Businesses will thrive, our downtown park will have frequent visitors, and the community as a whole will benefit from our new neighbors.”
Mourning said the need for affordable housing extends across the country.
“The word ‘affordability’ is something that is affecting all of us across the country now considering the nature of our economy,” Mourning said. “Being able to provide places like this where people can find refuge is extremely important.”
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