New Affordable Housing Complex Celebrates Legacy of Community Leader

A new affordable housing complex named **Tobias Place** was officially opened on February 18, 2023, in Worth Heights, a neighborhood in south **Fort Worth, Texas**. The project, dedicated to the memory of community leader **Cirildo “Toby” Tobias**, aims to provide residents with quality housing options in a historically underserved area.

Angela Tobias, the daughter of the late Toby Tobias, expressed her pride during the unveiling ceremony. She described the moment as overwhelming, reflecting on her father’s legacy of community service. “It’s overwhelming that somebody who was just a normal, ordinary boy that grew up in the hood would be able to have his name on something,” she stated. “I think of all the people he came upon, all the kids that he helped.”

Located at **549 W. Biddison St.**, Tobias Place spans **11 acres** and features **291 units** within a controlled-access, three-story building. The complex includes amenities such as a pool, cabana area, community room, business center, workout room, library, and co-working spaces. The design incorporates a modern light gray and teal color scheme, aimed at enhancing the area’s aesthetic while providing functional living spaces.

Approximately **90%** of the units are designated for residents earning **60%** of the **Fort Worth area median income**, which is **$85,350** for a family of four. This allocation addresses the growing need for affordable housing in the region, as highlighted by **Council member Elizabeth Beck**. “They have a place to live with dignity,” she remarked. “They have someplace beautiful to call home.”

Community Impact and Development Efforts

The development of Tobias Place represents a significant investment in the Worth Heights community, costing an estimated **$80 million**. Local officials and community members view this project as crucial for revitalizing an area that has seen few new developments in recent decades. Council member **Jeanette Martinez**, who represents the Worth Heights area and grew up nearby, emphasized the importance of the complex in providing opportunities for residents. She noted that it would “open doors to opportunity” for many families.

The project was developed by **Ojala Holdings**, a Dallas-based company, with financial support from the **Fort Worth** city government, **Tarrant County**, the **Rainwater Charitable Foundation**, and **Regions Bank**. **Daniel Smith**, managing director for Ojala Holdings, credited former Fort Worth assistant city manager **Fernando Costa** as the “visionary and the architect” behind the housing complex.

Smith shared insights into the collaborative efforts that shaped the project, stating that he worked closely with community leaders on design and naming considerations. He recognized the challenges faced in gaining trust and support from the community, remarking, “Trust is not something that’s bought, it’s earned.”

Celebrating a Legacy

The opening ceremony was marked by a ribbon-cutting attended by city officials, community members, and Angela Tobias, who reflected on the significance of the new complex. “Every time I drive by here, it makes me so happy to see that,” she noted, emphasizing the personal connection that residents will have with the space.

The establishment of Tobias Place not only honors the memory of a beloved community leader but also signals a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Worth Heights. As the area continues to evolve, projects like this one provide hope and a foundation for future community development.

This initiative is more than just a housing project; it is a celebration of community spirit and resilience, ensuring that local families have access to affordable and dignified living spaces. The ongoing support from various stakeholders illustrates a collective effort to foster growth and opportunity in Fort Worth.