New Hope Housing: Brays Crossing

New Hope Housing at Brays Crossing in Houston’s Second Ward elevates and dignifies single room occupancy (SRO) housing by offering its 149 residents quality, affordable housing that contributes to its neighborhood. The project is a redevelopment of the derelict HouTex Inn, a 1964-vintage motel built to house NASA contractors. The seven buildings are organized around five courtyards and two gardens that stretch the length of the property. The project's most prominent features are four powder-coated steel murals by Chicana artist Carmen Lomas Garza that enliven the 500 foot long sound wall along the adjacent freeway. Based on Mexican cultural themes, the murals are a nod to the neighborhood’s Hispanic heritage.