Development partners Housing Trust Group, AM Affordable Housing and Thoman and Butler turned the abandoned Jim Kimmel Center, a mid-century motor inn on the National Register of Historic Places, into a 56-unit affordable housing community with rents starting at $452
Housing Trust Group (HTG), one of the nation’s largest developers of affordable housing, along with AM Affordable Housing, the nonprofit founded by NBA Hall of Famer and Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning, and Austin-based Thoman & Butler, a premier local consulting firm serving as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), held a grand opening ceremony today marking the completion of Inn Town Lofts, the adaptive re-use of one of the city’s historic landmarks – the long vacant Jim Kimmel Center – into a 56-unit affordable housing community in the heart of downtown Lubbock.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together local officials, community stakeholders and members of the development team to celebrate the project and welcome new residents.
“Inn Town Lofts offered a rare opportunity to create much-needed affordable housing for the people of Lubbock and preserve an architectural landmark at the same time,” said Matthew A. Rieger, President and CEO of Housing Trust Group. “We’re immensely grateful to the talented team who helped us resurrect the Jim Kimmel Center – an important example of mid-century modern architecture – and honored to play a small role in Lubbock’s downtown revitalization.”
Added Alonzo Mourning, “A safe, stable home isn’t just shelter—it’s the start of something better. We’re excited to bring that kind of hope and opportunity to the people of Lubbock.”
Texas, like Florida, has a severe shortage of affordable housing. According to the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service, there are just 26 affordable homes available for every 100 low-income households in the state.
Located at 1202 Main Street, Inn Town Lofts provides 56 apartments reserved for households earning at or below 30%, 50%, 60% and 80% of the area median income (AMI), with rents ranging from $452 to $1,789 per month – approximately 30% lower than average rents. Located just one block north of Main Street, the community is in the heart of the central business district and close to major employment centers, educational institutions and cultural destinations, including Texas Tech University and the city’s growing healthcare sector.
“The revitalization of the Inn Town Lofts is an exciting step in our journey to bring energy and opportunity to the heart of our city,” said Mayor Pro Tem Christy Martinez-Garcia. “Thoughtful developments like this help strengthen our local economy, expand housing options, and create a community-centered downtown where people can truly live, work, and connect. I’m grateful to the many people who made this possible and excited to welcome the new residents downtown.”
“We’re proud to provide construction financing for Inn Town Lofts, expanding access to high-quality, family-oriented affordable homes for Lubbock families,” said John Ledesma, Vice President, J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking. “Our affordable housing investment work is rooted in the idea that strong communities create opportunity and collaborating with developers like HTG helps make this possible. With enriching amenities and thoughtfully designed residences, Inn Town Lofts gives families the foundation to build stability and thrive, strengthening the fabric of the Lubbock community for generations to come.”
Designed by Lubbock-based Schmidt & Stuart Architects and built in 1964, the original “In Town Inn” provided 91 hotel rooms catering to the post-War business boom with modern luxuries like a swimming pool, parking, dining facilities, meeting rooms for small conventions, and guest rooms with air conditioning. In the 1970s, after a deadly tornado ripped through downtown and investment shifted toward the suburbs, the motel underwent modifications – but remained a motel until the 1990s when it became the Jim Kimmel Center rehab facility. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022 – significant for being an excellent example of the mid-century motor inn property type, and the only such property in the downtown.
In 2023, HTG acquired the 65,000-square-foot building along with two adjacent non-historic structures on the same parcel – a restaurant and a gas station that were demolished. Working with Wallace Architects, specialists in historic renovation, the team preserved many of the building’s defining historic elements, including the lobby reception desk, phone booth bank, main metal staircase, and a coffee-shop with a well-preserved diner-style counter that has been reimagined as a community space. Much of the original brickwork, ceramic tile, and wood paneling through the property remains intact.
Today the property offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 650 to 1,216 square feet. The property’s U-shaped design around a central courtyard translated naturally to residential use, allowing for abundant natural light, city views and balconies in individual apartments. Select hotel rooms were combined to create larger, more livable apartment units. Additionally, a new building with 14 affordable apartments was constructed on the northwest section of the property, adding to the 42 historic rehab units. Community amenities include a fitness center, business center, playground, and community theater area, and residents have access to a robust suite of supportive services, including health resources, weekly fitness programming, an on-site food pantry, notary services and co-working space.
Financing of the $22.6 million Inn Town Lofts included $14.5 million in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity syndicated by National Equity Fund (NEF), a $12 million construction loan provided by JP Morgan Chase Bank, a permanent loan of $4.3 million from ERA2 Treasury Funds, $2.1 million in Federal Historic Credits, a $2.5M subordinate loan from AM Affordable Housing, $225,000 in a TIF Utility Reimbursement Grant, and $125,000 in a LEDA Grant.
The project team for Inn Town Lofts included general contractor Teinert Construction, architecture firm Wallace Architects; interior designer Frosolone; engineer Hugo Reed; and landscape architecture by Parkhill.
For questions about leasing, contact property manager Asset Living at (833) 725-9189 or visit the property’s website at www.inntownlofts.com.