History
The Fifth Ward CRC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Texas Corporation, was organized in April of 1989 by Fifth Ward residents, business owners, ministers, educators and civic leaders. Fifth Ward CRC's mission was established by the people of the Fifth Ward in a series of community town hall meetings.
The site of historic churches, the city's first black settlement house and the first black arts complex, the Fifth Ward has a rich history with native sons and daughters which include the late Congressman Mickey Leland, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, civil rights pioneer Dr. Lonnie Smith, boxer George Foreman and Jazz artists Joe Sample and the Crusaders. Settled and developed in the 1800's and early 1900's, the neighborhood experienced decline and disinvestment from 1965-1990, but is now seeing a surge in redevelopment, investment and community. It has been a marvelous journey for the community and the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (Fifth Ward CRC).
The Fifth Ward CRC story, from the first passionate planning chapter to this bold technologizing chapter, is highlighted with proactive individuals who dared to dream of a revitalized 5th Ward community. These dreamers have persevered with the support of government, businesses, community and social organizations, which have become dream makers through partnerships and collaborations.
Fifth Ward CRC's greatest strengths flow from its roots in the Fifth Ward - conceived, organized and governed by a broad cross-section of community leadership. The group founded by Rev. Harvey Clemons, Jr., is currently governed by a diverse 15 member board of trustees composed of community residents and elected representatives. The corporation was also fortunate to have available during its formation the technical and management skills of both the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Today, as a Charter Affiliate of NeighborWorks America, Fifth Ward CRC's achievements are a result of the continued support of the numerous financial institutions, foundations and generous contributors to our efforts.
Revitalization in 5th Ward is a planned event. Fifth Ward CRC continues to work with community partners to define the roles of the partners as it relates to the redevelopment of 5th Ward and to improve metrics and measurements to ensure accountability to community and its partners. Fifth Ward CRC works primarily in the area bounded by Kelly/Loop 610 on the north, Hardy/SPRR/White Oak Bayou on the west, Buffalo Bayou on the south, and SPRR/Sakowitz/Hunting Bayou tributary on the east. The corporation concentrates its work along the Lyons Avenue corridor bounded by the Englewood Yard SPRR Line, Jensen, Clinton/SPRR and Sakowitz,.
Over the last 20+ years, the citizens of the 5th Ward community have begun to realize the power of a dream because of the benefits of these liaisons and the help of friends and families. We appreciate each of you for your confidence and distinctive contribution.
Still realizing the dream, we embrace the future with high expectations because our hope is in God and his blessings through foresighted people willing to share their time, energy and generosity. Therefore, with pen in hand the Fifth Ward CRC story continues -
“Creating a Community of Choice . . . 5th Ward, a beautiful and better place to live, work and play.”
Since 1989
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Built 300+ new homes
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Built two multifamily complexes (336 units)
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Built two and re-habilitated two commercial developments with 40,000 square feet of space
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Installed four public art installations
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Installed community gateway monuments
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Nationally recognized developer
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FNMA Foundation Maxwell Award (2000)
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Social Compact Award (2000)
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Legacy Award (1999)
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Charter Affiliate of Neighborhood Reinvestment (1996)
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Welcomed YES Prep to the community in partnership with Pleasant Hill CDC (2010)
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Commenced redevelopment of the historic Deluxe Theater in partnership with the City of Houston (2010)
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Released the 5th Ward Housing Study in partnership with TIRZ 18 (2011)
Other memberships and awards received:
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Member of the Greater Houston Association of Builders
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Member of Texas Association of CDC's
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Member of Real Estate Association
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Member of CDC Association of Houston
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2003 - Awarded $3 million in cash and equipment to establish an i-community in partnership with Hewlett Packard
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2002 – Congressional recognition by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for National NeighborWorks Week 2002
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2001 – Certificate of Congressional Recognition
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2000 – As a client received the 2000 progressive Architecture Award
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1999 – Received the Legacy Award from the Houston Business Journal and the Houston Real Estate Community for its revitalization of 5th Ward
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1999 – “A.C.E.” Award
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1998 – Saluted by the Houston Chronicle in a lead editorial for our community development success
