Is Health the Next New Amenity? The NRP Group Delivers New ‘Healthy Housing’ in Fort Worth
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Amenities are an important draw in the multifamily market, and we might start seeing more builders tout this new kind of resident draw, following the opening of a fresh development by The NRP Group in Fort Worth.
Thrive on Crawford is a new mixed-income development comprising 67 units just northeast of John Peter Smith Hospital. The property celebrated its grand opening last week, introducing a multifamily concept to the Metroplex: “healthy housing.”
Proximity to healthcare services is the development’s shtick, and these apartments have it in spades. Whether you happen to work at JPS Health Network or need ready access to pediatric, mental health, cardiology, oncology, or orthopedic services, there’s some real convenience here.
Located at 1310 Crawford St., the community is right next to part of the healthcare system’s $2.1 billion bond program expansion. JPS Health Network will also be leasing 2,200 square feet of Class-A commercial space on the property, according to a press release.
Ohio-based multifamily developer The NRP Group delivered Thrive on Crawford this winter, adding to its thousands of units in the D-FW area. Other NRP Group properties include the new luxury community Diamond Flats in Carrollton and the upcoming Ascent at Mountain Creek in southwestern Dallas. The firm has also broken ground on an affordable housing development called The Fielder in Mesquite.
“As our first Health and Housing development in Texas, this development reflects The NRP Group’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, high-quality housing in high-opportune cities,” said Max Whipple, The NRP Group’s vice president of development.
Thrive on Crawford is the company’s fourth property nationally to blend housing with healthy living and healthcare services. Previous projects include Renaissance at Lincoln Park in New Rochelle, New York, which partnered with healthcare providers and nonprofits to improve health outcomes for residents.
Healthier living is something Texans could use. In a recent livability ranking, the Lone Star State came in last for health and safety due to its share of uninsured children, number of children’s hospitals per underage residents, high air pollution, and poor water quality, as previously reported by CandysDirt.com.
Studies show that stable, affordable housing is linked to lower rates of chronic disease, improved mental health, and better access to preventive care. And proximity to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies can determine how easily someone can receive timely treatment and preventive services. For low-income households in particular, long travel times, limited transit options, and provider shortages can turn routine care into a logistical barrier, widening existing health disparities.
“Our partnership with The NRP Group demonstrates what is possible when healthcare systems and developers come together to build healthier communities,” said Dr. Karen Duncan, president and CEO of JPS Health Network.
Most of the units at Thrive on Crawford are reserved for households earning 30-60% AMI. Seven market-rate units are also available for rent. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments featuring modern cabinetry, high-end finishes, and private patios with storage. In addition to a business center, 24-hour gym, a lounging area with a cafe, and on-site laundry facilities, the property will host adult literacy workshops, financial training, and after-school and summer programs for kids.
“Thrive on Crawford is a prime example of how healthcare can extend beyond traditional clinical settings to address the determinants of health,” Duncan said.
Financing was provided by JPMorgan Chase, Red Stone Equity Partners, Near Southside Financing Zone TIF, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, with co-development assists from Wynne Jackson and Servitas, according to a press release.
“As housing and health become increasingly connected, developments like Thrive on Crawford play a critical role in enhancing the well-being of Tarrant County residents,” said Dustin Austin, board chair of the Tarrant County Hospital District Public Facility Corporation. “This community was built on the premise that affordable housing is foundational to healthier, more resilient communities and offers a unique opportunity for healthcare providers to engage directly with residents to support their overall well‑being.”
