Saxet Heights sees first demolition as part of housing authority’s aggressive push to rebuild neglected neighborhoods.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — In the heart of one of Corpus Christi’s oldest neighborhoods, the sounds of hammers and heavy equipment are echoing once again. It’s not just noise—it’s the sound of rebirth.
The Corpus Christi Housing Authority has launched a bold new initiative called the CLEAR program—short for “Clear Lots, Elevate Affordable Residential”—aimed at transforming long-vacant lots and dilapidated homes into brand-new, affordable houses.
And the work is already underway in Saxet Heights, where the first home slated for demolition came down this week on Brooks Drive.
“I think this is a great neighborhood,” said real estate agent Jacqueline O’Neill. “Over the years, it has become more and more distressed. But programs like this can help turn that around.”
Under the CLEAR program, the Housing Authority identifies properties that have sat idle or beyond repair. It clears the land and auctions the lots starting at just $20,000. But there’s a catch: you must build a new home within one year—or the lot goes back to the Housing Authority.
“We’re going to set $20,000 as the floor for this lot,” said Gary Allsup, CEO of the Corpus Christi Housing Authority. “If it doesn’t sell for that, then our ‘Thanksgiving Homes’ program will buy it and build on it.”
If no one bids, Thanksgiving Homes—a development arm of the housing authority—steps in to build the home themselves. The program is already credited with over 100 homes built across the city, and now they’re bringing that momentum to Saxet Heights.
“There’s a group of builders that specialize in this price range,” said home builder Bart Brazelton. “They’re working with Thanksgiving and paying about a third the cost of a typical lot.”
The goal? More than just affordable housing. It’s about restoring pride, stabilizing property values, and offering real pathways to homeownership for working families.
With vacant lots still dotting parts of Corpus Christi, the CLEAR program is being hailed as a creative and aggressive answer to the city’s housing crunch—especially as demand continues to climb.
“We want to see these neighborhoods thrive again,” Allsup said. “And we’re willing to do the work to make that happen.”
For more information on upcoming property auctions and how to qualify for the program, visit the Corpus Christi Housing Authority website at hacc.org.