Renovation work has been completed on Agape Development’s Paris House in Houston’s Third Ward, thanks to a partnership between Sandcastle Homes and GHBA’s Custom Builders Council (CBC). The project was led by Sandcastle’s Nicole Keown and assisted by project manager Steven Speer.
Paris House is a 950 sq. ft. home that was converted into an office and counseling center. The enhancements will provide a more modern space for day-to-day operations and provide a place for work placement assistance and counseling for the young men and women working with Agape.
Nicole and Steven began by handling much of the demolition themselves as they removed the exterior siding, gutted the interior and loaded trash in preparation for the upcoming improvements.
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Additional work provided by the CBC and numerous trades and vendors included: removal of deteriorated materials inside and outside of the building for full restoration; replacing windows and drywall; installation of paneling, new trim and interior doors and cabinets; refinishing the interiors of a bathroom and breakroom; providing fixture replacements and new countertops. Work also included installing new flooring, new paint and hardware and replacing the fencing on the property.
Agape identifies existing properties that have in some cases, been abandoned or are in total disrepair and refurbishes them. The houses provide stable housing for young adults who are in crisis or, as in the Paris House, a place for education and life skills training. At the same time these renovated houses revitalize the community.
With its location within Houston’s historic Third Ward, the faith based Agape Development’s Gateway Houses are part of a residential program to help 18-25 year olds make the transition to healthy adulthood by assisting with housing, utilities, food and transportation while providing counseling, job preparation and guidance in continued education.
The following companies donated to the renovations. EC Contractors provided sheetrock, paint, exterior siding, and window replacement. Sandcastle Homes provided interior demolition. Juan Hurtado donated carpentry. Houston Carpet Service provided the flooring. Western Pacific donated building materials. Other vendors included Kent Moore Cabinets, Rolando Delgado Landscaping, Coastal Plumbing and Aztec Glass and Mirror.
“HomeAid is so grateful to Nicole, Steven and the entire team who donated time, materials and labor to make this a successful renovation,” said Carole Brady, executive director of HomeAid. “Sandcastle Homes has been a long-time supporter of the vision and mission HomeAid has adopted, and they never hesitate to recruit the team that makes these projects happen. Thank you to the entire crew!”