Vision Galveston’s Build Galveston initiative is making a bold move to create affordable, community-rooted housing for Galveston’s essential workers. With a $2.8 million bid on a 4.5-acre former school site and support from The Moody Foundation, the nonprofit hopes to build up to 30 single-family homes and preserve green space honoring local civil rights figure L.A. Morgan.
A beloved school in Galveston is poised for a transformation—not into a place of learning, but into a vibrant community filled with homes, families, and green spaces—thanks to an inspiring initiative from the local nonprofit Vision Galveston.
Build Galveston, through its workforce housing initiative, has submitted a $2.8 million bid for the nearly 4.5-acre site of the former L.A. Morgan Elementary School, situated at 1421 37th Street. The Galveston Independent School District (GISD) has recently declared the property as surplus. If approved, the proposal would transform the historic school grounds into a lively community featuring up to 30 single-family homes tailored to meet the needs of Galveston’s essential workforce.
The initiative has garnered significant support from a key philanthropic entity in the region: The Moody Foundation. This organization has not only made contributions to the Galveston Essential Workforce Housing Fund but has also provided a line of credit to Build Galveston’s board of directors for the purpose of land acquisition.
Under the leadership of CEO Christine Bryant, Vision Galveston has dedicated years to engaging with residents, collecting data, and developing solutions to address the island’s most urgent challenges. A persistent issue remains at the forefront: the shortage of affordable housing for the essential workers who support the city daily—teachers, healthcare professionals, police officers, hospitality workers, and others.
“More than 65% of Galveston’s workforce resides off the island,” stated Bryant. “Our goal is to establish a pathway for those essential to the city’s success to reside here and engage with the community on a full-time basis.”
The planned residences will be thoughtfully priced to ensure accessibility, offering stable, long-term housing solutions near schools, public transit, and various services.
Build Galveston’s proposal embraces the future and respects the past. The site plan features a dedicated green space to honor L.A. Morgan, a respected teacher and administrator who served in Galveston ISD from 1934 to 1974. Morgan was instrumental in the desegregation of the city’s schools during the late 1960s, transforming this site into not only a development opportunity but also a significant symbolic landmark.
“Establishing an environment to contemplate and pay tribute to his legacy is fundamental to the project,” stated Bryant. “This goes beyond real estate.” It is a narrative conveyed through careful management.
Another group, Hope Tutorial Inc., associated with Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, suggested a payment of $4.5 million for the property to create a Juneteenth Museum; however, their proposal did not constitute an official bid. Rather, it was introduced as a conceptual proposal dependent on state funding designated for initiatives related to Juneteenth.
Conversely, Build Galveston’s $2.8 million bid is based on a formal property appraisal, as mandated by GISD’s surplus property guidelines. Superintendent Matthew Neighbors stated that the bid is “at or above appraised value,” indicating that it is both viable and procedurally sound.
“Our team conducted thorough research,” Bryant emphasized. “We adhered to district policy, engaged a certified appraiser, and presented a bid that accurately represents fair market value.”
The proposal's viability and credibility hinge on the support of The Moody Foundation, a longstanding philanthropic cornerstone of Galveston. Their involvement transcends mere financial contributions—it serves as a definitive affirmation of support for the future of inclusive, community-driven development on the island.
The foundation provides support through direct contributions to the housing fund as well as a dedicated line of credit aimed at facilitating Build Galveston’s land acquisition strategy. The vote of confidence highlights the project's potential and its alignment with the wider community priorities.
Vision Galveston’s proposal presents a distinctive combination of practical planning and inspiring community development. It utilizes private and philanthropic funding, emphasizes long-term affordability, honors the site's historical importance, and outlines a timeline for careful, sustainable development.
The openness that Build Galveston has demonstrated towards collaboration is perhaps the most encouraging aspect. “There’s space at the table,” said Bryant. “We are confident that affordable housing and cultural heritage can thrive together.” We invite collaborations to guarantee that the site embodies the complete narrative of Galveston.
Whether you view it as an economic enhancement, a solution to housing needs, or a tribute to a community champion, one fact remains clear: Vision Galveston is not just building homes, but also cultivating hope.
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