Officials with Palladium Houston Ella, a $35 million mixed-income housing development in northeast Houston, held a grand opening event Sept. 25 with residents and county stakeholders.

The complex is a public-private partnership with the Harris County Housing Finance Corporation and was fully leased at least two months before opening, according to a Sept. 26 news release.

“It is no secret that Harris County is facing a growing housing affordability crisis,” HCHFC Executive Director Rene Martinez said in a news release. “Palladium Houston Ella is the second of 18 affordable housing projects to open that our agency is helping to develop across the county in the near future, so hardworking families have a safe, quality place to call home.”

At the grand opening were officials from Palladium Houston Ella, Harris County Housing Finance Corporation, Harris County Housing & Community Development Department, Harris County Precinct 1, Rep. Senfronia Thompson's office and residents. (Courtesy Palladium USA)
At the grand opening event Sept. 25 were officials from Palladium Houston Ella, Harris County Housing Finance Corporation, Harris County Housing & Community Development Department, Harris County Precinct 1, Rep. Senfronia Thompson's office and residents. (Courtesy Palladium USA)

The need

Both renting and buying a home in Harris County has become increasingly unaffordable to many households, despite being nationally known as a city with much lower housing prices, according to a 2025 Rice University Kinder Institute study.

Out of the146-unit, mixed-income apartments at Palladium Houston Ella, 115 units were designated for households earning between 30%-80% of the area median income, with the remaining 31 units at full market rate, according to the news release.

The seven-acre, three-story development features one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, conference center, dog park, computer lounge, and kids’ playroom.

The cost

The Harris County Housing and Community Development Department was awarded $4.3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to utilize for the project. The project is secured under a 99-year ground lease, according to the release. In addition to the ARPA funding, financing included $18 million of equity from Regions Bank and $20 million in 9% housing tax credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

“Our mission is to create housing solutions that strengthen communities and open doors to opportunity,” HCHCD Executive Director Thao Costis said in a news release. “This development reflects our commitment other building safe, affordable homes that support stability, growth and a brighter future for our residents.”