Bryan-College Station Struggles with Affordable Housing
In the vibrant city of Bryan-College Station, a fresh initiative is taking root aimed at tackling one of the community’s most pressing issues: affordable housing for students. With the rising cost of living in this bustling area, many students, families, and staff members are finding it increasingly tough to secure reasonable places to stay. Thankfully, the memory of a beloved professor is inspiring a project that promises to help.
A Tribute to a Lifelong Teacher
The late Lee Lowery, Ph.D., was a cherished member of the Texas A&M University community for a remarkable 64 years, dedicating his life to civil engineering education. Sadly, he passed away unexpectedly in February, leaving his daughter Kelli Lowery with the difficult task of deciding what to do with his house.
Amid the emotional turmoil, Kelli realized that this residence could serve a greater purpose—providing affordable housing for students who might otherwise struggle with rent during their academic years. “It is stressful enough going to college,” Kelli shared. “But trying to figure out how to pay for it … makes it ten times harder.” This instinct clearly stems from the long-standing values imparted by her father, who went above and beyond for underprivileged students during his time at A&M.
Understanding the Housing Crisis
As Shannon Van Zandt, a professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, noted, the challenges related to affordable housing are not unique to Bryan-College Station, but the local market presents exceptional hurdles. “Affordable housing is a major problem across the country, and there is a massive shortage of affordable housing everywhere,” Van Zandt stated. This sentiment hits home for many in the area, especially with Bryan-College Station being the second most expensive housing market in Texas.
What makes this situation particularly challenging is the exponential increase in rental prices fueled by the growing student population. “A lot of the new rental is focused on students,” Van Zandt explained, portraying a landscape where homes quickly transform into student lodgings, often leading to a spike in rents that families and low-income students can’t keep up with.
Aiming for Change with the Lee Lowery Legacy Boarding House
In response, the Lee Lowery Legacy Boarding House project is hitting the ground running to offer a more affordable solution specifically targeted at low-income and underprivileged students. Kelli and her husband are funding and overseeing the initiative entirely on their own, emphasizing their commitment to providing a safety net for students facing financial struggles. “We have done all of this on our own money,” Kelli noted. The Boarding House will hopefully ease the burden of rising living costs on its future residents.
Collaborative efforts have already begun, bringing local businesses on board to provide essential services. The project relies on support from companies like Mr. Electric, Home Depot, and Aggieland Plumbing to assist with the necessary renovations and electrical work. Kelli readily welcomes the help of volunteers to bring her dream to fruition, stating, “It would really be awesome if we could get hands out there.”
A Vision for the Future
While the project is proceeding, Kelli faces a dilemma about what to do once it is complete. “University officials wanted us to hand the property over to Texas A&M,” she said, but Kelli is determined to keep the project independent. She believes that keeping the operation separate will ensure the original vision remains intact and that it serves its intended purpose.
To connect with students who could benefit from the Boarding House, Kelli plans to reach out to the head of the civil engineering department and the Texas A&M aid office directly.
Making a Lasting Impact
This initiative is a beacon of hope for those confined by rising housing costs. The spirit of Lee Lowery lives on as Kelli takes on the mantle of continuing his legacy of generosity and service. In a community trying to navigate high living expenses, the Lee Lowery Legacy Boarding House embodies a heartfelt commitment to support those who need it most.
If you want to contribute to this noble cause, keep an eye out for future updates on how you can lend your support.
