Ram-Bro Contracting is tearing down abandoned properties at no cost to the city, helping police address safety concerns in local neighborhoods.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A house that police said was used for drug activity for years is being torn down in Corpus Christi, thanks to a local contractor volunteering to do the work for free.

The property, located in the 2600 block of Ruth Street, had been a concern for residents and police for months after it caught fire and was left in poor condition. Corpus Christi Assistant Police Chief David Blackmon said removing the damaged home is an important step toward making the neighborhood safer.



This story continues below.

“This house that they’re demolishing behind us in the 2600 block of Ruth, it was a drug house for many years and then it got burned out when individuals that were living in it had set it to fire,” Blackmon said.

With limited city funding available to demolish problem properties, police turned to local businesses for help. Ram-Bro Contracting, based in Robstown, agreed to take on the demolition at no cost to the city.

Blackmon said the company has already helped tear down approximately four or five properties and continues to offer its services when needed. “They’re volunteering their time. They’re coming out here. They’re demolishing this house, not for the police department. They’re demolishing it for the community,” Blackmon said.

Ricardo Ramon Jr., who oversees projects for Ram-Bro Contracting, said the company wants to give back to the neighborhoods that have supported its business.

“We’re here for the community. The community has been good to us and we’re giving back,” Ramon said. He added that the goal is to help families feel comfortable in their neighborhoods again.

“We want to make the kids, you know, be able to play on the streets safe again and just feel better about your community and your neighborhood,” Ramon said. Police said another local company, White Star, has also helped with demolition efforts.

Blackmon hopes the partnerships will continue, allowing more abandoned and damaged homes to be removed.

“We’re removing that danger and our hope is that there will be a new house, a new family, and a positive impact to the community from it,” Blackmon said.