Each apartment unit will include a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom layout with quality finishes.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A long-vacant piece of property near CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline is set to see new life as a modern housing development, marking another sign of growth for downtown Corpus Christi.

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The project, called The Quad on Second, will transform an empty lot at Second and Morgan Ave. into a four-unit, townhome-style apartment complex. City leaders and downtown advocates say developments like this help support long-term revitalization efforts and meet the growing demand for downtown living.

The $731,750 project will be the first residential construction of its kind in the historic neighborhood in more than 50 years, according to the Downtown Management District (DMD).

It’s a small footprint that could make a big impact city officials said.

Each unit will feature three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and what the developer describes as high-quality finishes designed to attract residents seeking an urban lifestyle close to work and amenities.

Timothy Harden, who lives just down the street, said the project is especially meaningful for longtime residents.

“It’s pretty exciting, honestly,” Harden said. “Having grown up in this area, it’s good to see things are actually starting to grow and develop. That’s what everybody was hoping with the development of the bridge.”

Arlene Medrano with the Downtown Management District said a recent study within the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) found the area could absorb up to 500 new housing units over five years, a goal officials said has already been met.

Now, the focus is on what comes next.

“This is the first of 500 to come in the next five years  that’s what we’re working toward,” Medrano said.

Located just steps from CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline, The Quad on Second is expected to be a convenient option for medical professionals looking to live close to work.

To help move the project forward, the Downtown TIRZ Board recently approved about $162,000 in incentives through downtown living, streetscape, and safety improvement programs. The development is the southernmost project to receive funding within the Downtown TIRZ boundary.

Everett Roy, Corpus Christi City Council District 1 representative and Downtown TIRZ Chair, says adding housing downtown brings multiple benefits.

“When you have additional housing and density, it helps deter crime,” Roy said. “And the convenience is huge. When you live downtown, you basically have access to anywhere in Corpus Christi within 20 minutes.”

City leaders say the impact goes beyond housing.

“Not only does it generate ad valorem tax revenue, it generates sales tax and more commerce for businesses downtown,” said At-Large Council Member Roland Barrera. “It’s a great project, especially being right next to the hospital.”

For residents like Harden, the development represents more than new construction.

“Now we have signs of development that are starting to reinvigorate the neighborhood,” he said.

Construction on The Quad on Second is expected to be completed by fall 2027.