Historic El Jardin in Brownsville, Texas, Reopens as Affordable Housing with $1.1 Million Grant

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, February 26, 2026—The Housing Authority of the City of Brownsville (HACB) celebrated the grand opening of the historic El Jardin, reborn as an affordable residential community, in downtown Brownsville, Texas. The project was made possible in part by a $1.1 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through member Texas Regional Bank.

Originally built in 1927, El Jardin operated as a hotel until the late 1980s. The property remained vacant for approximately 40 years before being purchased by the HACB in 2019, as reported by The Brownsville Herald. It has now been redeveloped into an eight-story apartment building with 44 affordable housing units, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

Preserving History and Addressing Housing Needs

“This project is a testament to what can happen when public and private partners come together to preserve history and meet critical housing needs,” said HACB CEO Carla Mancha. “Thanks to the AHP grant from FHLB Dallas, we were able to tackle critical repairs and closing costs, which brought this project to life.” Mancha also serves on FHLB Dallas’ Affordable Housing Advisory Council.

The redevelopment project is located in Brownsville’s Historic Overlay District, ensuring the preservation of the city’s architectural heritage. According to the Rutland Herald, the AHP funds assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction, and rehabilitation of housing.

Partnerships and Community Investment

“El Jardin shows what’s possible when local housing leaders and community partners bring the right tools to the table,” said Texas Regional Bank Chairman and CEO Michael Scaief. “We’re proud the AHP grant and our partnership with FHLB Dallas helped move this redevelopment from plan to reality, honoring Brownsville’s past and opening doors for families to thrive in the future.”

Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, added, “Projects like El Jardin breathe new life into neighborhoods. By combining affordable housing with historic preservation, we’re helping strengthen the city of Brownsville for years to come.”

Further information about the FHLB Dallas Affordable Housing Program can be found at fhlb.com.

About Texas Regional Bank

Founded in 2010, Texas Regional Bank (TRB) is a privately owned financial institution offering full-service banking to communities across Texas. With over 37 locations, TRB provides a range of financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. More information is available at trb.bank.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System, created by Congress in 1932. As of December 31, 2025, FHLB Dallas had total assets of $108.5 billion and supports housing and community development through loans and credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas.