On Juneteenth, more than 130 community leaders, residents, elected officials and partners gathered in Houston’s historic Acres Homes neighborhood to celebrate the groundbreaking of Legacy Oaks at Bland Street, a new homeownership development led by the Houston Area Urban League in partnership with Park Street Homes.

The project marks a major step toward expanding access to affordable homeownership in one of Houston’s legacy communities. Legacy Oaks at Bland Street will bring 23 single-family homes to nearly five acres of land donated by the Cameron Iron Workers and Charity Social Club, transforming a long-held community asset into a residential development designed to support families, strengthen the neighborhood and create new pathways to generational wealth.

For the Houston Area Urban League, the timing of the groundbreaking carried special meaning. Held on June 19, the ceremony connected the promise of freedom with the continued work of building economic opportunity.

“As we commemorate Juneteenth, Legacy Oaks reminds us that freedom must be accompanied by opportunity,” said Judson W. Robinson III, President and CEO of the Houston Area Urban League. “Homeownership remains one of the most effective tools for building generational wealth and strengthening communities. This development reflects our commitment to ensuring that families in Acres Homes can benefit from the growth and investment occurring in their neighborhood while preserving the community’s rich history and character.”

The ceremony opened with remarks from Robinson and included greetings from Houston City Council Member Tarsha Jackson. Council Member Willie Davis presented a City of Houston proclamation, and additional remarks were shared by State Representative Charlene Ward Johnson, James “Jim” Dow of Citizens Trust Bank, Trozie Jordan of United Airlines and Kevan Shelton, CEO and Co-Founder of Park Street Homes.

Congressman Christian Menefee, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, also addressed attendees, joining local leaders in recognizing the role that homeownership and community investment can play in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Legacy Oaks arrives as many Houston families continue to face rising housing costs and limited options for attainable homeownership. The development is designed to help close that gap by creating quality housing opportunities for first-time and moderate-income buyers while honoring the history and character of Acres Homes.

For Park Street Homes, the project reflects a broader mission to make homeownership more accessible in urban communities.

“Park Street Homes was founded on the belief that homeownership should be accessible to more families, particularly in urban communities that have historically been underserved,” Shelton said. “Through partnerships with organizations like the Houston Area Urban League, cities, and mission-aligned investors, we are building a national platform focused on restoring neighborhoods and expanding opportunity through homeownership.”

The event concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking and photos featuring elected officials, project partners, community stakeholders and residents. For many in attendance, the moment represented more than the launch of a housing development. It reflected a continued investment in Acres Homes and a commitment to ensuring that growth in Houston includes the families and communities that have long shaped the city.

Legacy Oaks at Bland Street is a collaborative effort between the Houston Area Urban League, Park Street Homes, community partners and local stakeholders. Once completed, the development will add 23 affordable single-family homes to the neighborhood and further the Houston Area Urban League’s work to expand economic mobility, housing access and community empowerment across Greater Houston.

Founded in 1968, the Houston Area Urban League is a nonprofit, community-based organization and affiliate of the National Urban League. The organization provides direct services and advocacy across Greater Houston through programs focused on workforce development, education and youth services, financial empowerment, housing, small business support and health equity.

Article Originally Published on The Bayou Beat by Charlet Dudley June 25, 2026