PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Construction is underway for affordable housing units in downtown Port Arthur.
City leaders believe that this is a step in the right direction to revitalize downtown and bring more workers and families to Port Arthur.
The Renaissance at Lakeshore Apartments on Procter Street will have 108 units available for low to medium income families.
The project costs a total of $21 million, with $18 million coming from the Texas General Land Office.
The additional $3 million is coming from the National Development Council.
Port Arthur Mayor Thurman Bartie says they are hoping this will attract more port and plant workers to live in the city.
"By having housing there, maybe in the design of workforce housing, which is something new that is happening worldwide," Bartie said. "With all the types of expansions that we are having in our industrial sector here, having this type of housing available."
Port Arthur native Ken Hankins says he's looking forward to this new housing and what it could do for the city.
"It could bring more business to the area, since this used to be the main business district," he said.
Mayor Bartie is also hoping the new housing will attract families to the downtown corridor.
"They are gonna enhance our economy, so to speak. They are going to spend their dollars here, on groceries you know fuel, or entertainment," Bartie said.
"You know in the religious sector or volunteer their time and give back to the community."
The apartments are expected to be completed sometime June 2022, barring any weather delays.