Rebuilt Public Housing Project Opens After 2008 Hurricane

A sprawling new public housing project in Galveston, Texas, has replaced a similar development that was destroyed in Hurricane Ike.

Designed by KAI Texas, The Cedars at Carver Park and The Villas on the Strand were designed for greater resilience against future hurricanes. The first floor of the $71 million, mixed income development is 15 feet above sea level and parking is located at grade level under the units. The development replaces the Magnolia Homes and Cedar Terrace communities that were destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008.

The structures also feature storm-rated windows and conform to Texas Department of Insurance wind load performance standards. Additionally, the homes are environmentally sustainable and conform to Enterprise Green Communities criteria and Energy Star for homes.

The development held up well during the recent Hurricane Harvey, even though downtown Galveston flooded. Water flowed through the buildings’ open ground floor space as it was designed to do.

KAI designed The Cedars at Carver Park to include 122 units across 28 buildings and The Villas on the Strand to include 160 units across 15 buildings to create a sense of place and community. Both developments also include such amenities as park spaces, barbecue areas, playgrounds, fitness centers, and meeting rooms.

“The design theme celebrates the island’s unique character. The buildings resemble Galveston style and blend seamlessly into the fabric of the island’s culture and its rich Gulf Coast architectural history,” says KAI Texas President and COO Darren L. James.