Developer outlines Avanti family housing tax-credit project for Robinson

Henry Flores of Madhouse Development Services presented an informational overview of a proposed tax-credit-funded multifamily project in Robinson, called Avanti (family product), sited adjacent to an already-funded 93-unit senior development.

Flores described the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) mechanics and scoring process and said his firm has a 30-year record of developing similar projects across Texas. He said the Robinson family property is expected to be about 90 units, will remain within the existing multifamily zoning with no requested waivers, and is designed to include high-quality finishes and resident services. Flores characterized the project as targeted to working families and seniors rather than deep-subsidy households and said the federal program's allocation process makes the projects highly competitive.

Flores provided financial and program details: he estimated total project cost at about $21.3 million and later discussed a separate $41.3 million figure in the back-and-forth (participants used differing metrics such as total cost versus capital-stack valuations). He said the capital stack and syndication process typically reduce the amount the developer must borrow, enabling lower rents. Flores outlined proposed unit mix and target rents tied to area median income: example one-bedroom rents cited included $418 for the lowest tier (30% AMI), $752 at a mid tier (50% AMI) and $918 at 60% AMI; two-bedroom figures and counts were given for other AMI bands. Flores said these rents could save families roughly $250—$700 per month compared with typical market rents.

Flores also addressed operations and screening: he said high demand at his properties (he cited a 495-family waiting list at one development) allows strict screening for credit and rental history; the owner enforces rules and follows eviction processes if required. He said resident services will include financial literacy and credit counseling and emphasized the project's intent to promote stability and pathways to homeownership.

Flores asked the council for a formal resolution of support at a future meeting and requested a single $500 local contribution for scoring purposes with the state housing agency; he emphasized he was not asking for city funds or zoning waivers at this time. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about timing (Flores said construction could begin in April subject to permits and closing), taxable-value expectations, and the projected number of residents (rough estimate ~300—30 people depending on household size), which Flores addressed during the Q&A.

The presentation was information-only; the council did not take immediate action on the proposal during the workshop.