Alice approves senior apartments to replace derelict hospital

Alice city council on Jan. 19 approved a resolution supporting an Austin-based developer's plan to demolish a shell of the city's old hospital and build a four- to five-story apartment complex aimed at independent-living seniors. The building, vacant for more than two decades on East Third Street, sits near downtown and has long been seen as both an eyesore and an untapped asset.

Fish Pond Development plans to replace the dilapidated structure with multi-unit, moderate- to low-income senior housing that would include social programming for exercise and socialization. Mayor Jolene Vanover framed the project as part of a broader push to leverage Alice's location near Corpus Christi and attract private investment. "We're such a close neighbor to Corpus Christi and all that Corpus Christi offers that I believe we're just an awesome asset for any business big or small just willing to look outside of the box and look at Alice," Vanover said.

Local officials stress the move addresses a persistent gap in housing for older residents. "This company, I'm completely on board with because it's senior," Vanover said about the development. "So the housing is going to be for senior citizens. Moderate to low-income housing for senior citizens, which is a big need in our city." City leaders view the project as part of a coordinated effort to revive downtown and grow the city's revenue base by increasing the supply of moderately priced housing.

The council's action comes as other small-scale residential development already underway targets younger workers. "We do currently have some developers in town that are building some nice starter homes for your teachers for your nurses that are just getting into careers," Vanover said, highlighting workforce housing gains even as demand for affordable senior units remains strong.

Beyond housing, local officials and planners point to broader assets that could support economic recovery, including available development sites and an underutilized rail line. Regional higher education also hangs in the balance; state lawmakers will debate a proposal that could see Del Mar College replace Coastal Bend College, a change local leaders say would affect long-term workforce and education opportunities.

Policy implications for Jim Wells County include how the city will manage demolition, financing, zoning and infrastructure needs tied to a mid-rise residential project downtown. The council resolution signals political support but does not substitute for permitting, financing agreements, or potential development incentives that will determine whether the project moves forward on the timeline proponents expect.

For residents, the proposal promises removal of a prolonged blight, new housing tailored to seniors, and potential ripple effects for downtown businesses. Next steps include detailed city permitting, developer plans and state legislative decisions on regional higher education that could shape workforce and housing demand. Residents and local officials will be watching council meetings and agency filings as the project progresses and as lawmakers debate the college transition.