Changing the City, One Property at the Time

Ashford Communities has attracted the attention of the Houston Multifamily Industry thanks to the mechanisms used to obtain the excellent levels of occupancy and retention the company is known for. Adobe Magazine, HAA′s official publication, highlighted the architectural restoration our properties undergo when integrated into our portfolio and the traffic of new residents who notice the changes.

Cite: The Architecture + Design Review of Houston also featured Ashford Communities – Ashford St.Cloud specifically – and remarked that the company has the ability to transform decline into opportunity by taking over a property whose infrastructure lacks beauty and social space and turn it into a “Quiet Oasis” in the middle of SouthWest Houston.

A Story Of Transformation

During the 1970’s the Gulftown neighborhood was the “hot spot” for young singles who moved to Houston due to job opportunities from the booming oil industry. Apartment complexes were rapidly built, catering to the new Houstonians’ caprice lifestyle; dance floors, multiple swimming pools, and hot tubs were popular amenities. The oil industry crashed and consequently, these flamboyant complexes became vacant. Premises started to deteriorate, rents dropped and the neighborhood was considered “the projects”. Between the 1980’s and 2000’s Gulftown increased its population by 100% and turned into the most densely populated community in town.

When Ashford Communities acquired “St.Cloud Appartments”, most residents had large families and the complex had no green areas for them to unwind; 4 swimming pools claimed all the space. We replaced the pools with courtyards that serve as gathering and play areas, a space for outdoor sports was designated and a community garden in the middle of the complex promotes the sense of ownership and brotherhood among the residents as they see it flourish. Cite describes Ashford St.Cloud as

“An island, that disconnects residents from the surrounding city.”