City Council Approves Manufacturing-Focused Maker-Space for the East End

November, 2019 – Wednesday, Houston City Council approved the development of the East End Maker Hub, an innovation space and incubator for local manufacturing and light industrial businesses. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided over half of the funding, $24M, through Community Development Block Grant funds and the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program. Offering training for low- and moderate-income workers and support for growing businesses, the Maker Hub will help residents pursue their own success.

The East End Maker Hub will boost the East End directly, creating over 400 new jobs, training 75 people for manufacturing jobs each year, and leasing workspace at below-market rates. TXRX, a non-profit innovation organization, will offer technology and job skills training, including training in growing industries like urban gardening and wind-farm technology.

Urban Partnerships Community Development Corporation (UPCDC) will be the project developer and owner. UPCDC has experience providing job and entrepreneurship training for light manufacturing businesses. TXRX, the East End Management District, the Economic Development Administration, and NMTC Investors also contributed to the $40M investment. The project was made viable through the $24M received from HUD. With HUD's support, the City can pursue projects that will revitalize neighborhoods and empower residents.

The East End Maker Hub is expected to take about a year to complete and has already begun looking for tenants. Learn more about their openings at http://eastendmakerhub.org.

Learn more about HCD's other projects for economic development at https://houstontx.gov/housing/ecodev.html or by calling 832-394-6200.