The scent of tamales drifted through the courtyard, warm and inviting, as I wandered past a window displaying a small, handwritten sign: “Dos tamales por un dólar.”
Worn candy canes and faded Santa Claus posters clung to the neighboring doors, remnants of holidays celebrated with what little could be spared. Balconies bloomed with overgrown greenery, and children’s bicycles, well-loved and well-used, were scattered across porches.
This was Villa de Cancun, an apartment community in the Bissonnet Track—a neighborhood I’d previously only passed through with my car doors locked tight. Today, I was seeing it differently. For those who live here, it’s not a cautionary tale or a headline—it’s home.
Gary Gates, a prominent property owner and state representative (R-District 28), is reshaping the narrative surrounding affordable housing in this neighborhood.
With over 40. residential apartment communities under his management, including four in the Bissonnet Track, Gates has faced scrutiny, including accusations of being a “slumlord,” but a closer look at his properties tells a different story.
The Bissonnet Track has long been associated with high crime rates, including prostitution and human trafficking. Many apartment complexes in the area suffer from severe neglect, characterized by crumbling foundations, caving roofs, and rat infestations. Gates’ properties, however, stand as a safer and more livable alternative for the community.
While these Class C properties are not luxury apartments, they provide affordable housing options, often at or below market rates of approximately $800 per month for a one-bedroom unit.
Gates’ portfolio includes properties like Deerfield Apartments, owned since 1997, and others acquired in the 2010s. These buildings have undergone significant renovations, including repairing foundations, replacing roofs, and installing tankless water heaters when the old boilers give out..
Gatesco, his property management company, has implemented policies to vet tenants for criminal history and creditworthiness, further enhancing safety. As a result, criminal activity often declines after Gatesco assumes management.
“Our portfolio of properties is older vintage with years of construction ranging from 1959 to 1982,” Gates said. “Once we acquire a property, we enforce lease agreements, vet applicants, and evict tenants involved in criminal activity. These efforts improve property quality, reduce crime, and foster long-term residency.”
Many Gatesco properties have significant Hispanic and Latino populations, with extended families often renting multiple units to live near one another. Residents have created a vibrant community, providing childcare and even selling homemade tortillas.
One tenant, Cynthia, shared her positive experience: “I have been living at Deerfield Apartments for many years. Whenever I have an issue, Patty in the office makes it her business to resolve it. I really appreciate their customer service.”
The affordability of these apartments addresses a critical market need. In a neighborhood with limited housing options for low- to moderate-income tenants, Gates’ properties fill a vital gap.
Photo: Competing property Mar del Sol Apartments.
Unlike competitors like the neighboring Mar De Sol apartment complex—where neglect has led to apparent unsafe living conditions—Gatesco prioritizes maintenance and tenant satisfaction.
Occupancy rates remain high over 95%, and the average resident tenure is approximately four years, significantly above market norms.
Critics point to past building code violations as evidence of neglect. However, deeper investigation revealed that many of these issues were inherited from previous owners and are actively being addressed.
“We work closely with the City of Houston to resolve any open habitability violations noted during routine inspections,” Gates asserted. “Someone must own, manage, and maintain older apartment communities; we think we do it better than most.”
Photo: Competing property Villa Madrid Apartments.
Despite the stigma surrounding the Bissonnet Track, these efforts demonstrate that affordable housing does not necessarily equate to inferior living.
Within the housing market exists a critical gap: a middle ground alternative to unaffordable luxury apartments and the subpar living conditions in unregulated housing.
Class C properties carry the stigma of being synonymous with substandard living conditions, but this generalization overlooks a crucial distinction: while some Class C properties may suffer from neglect, others can provide safe, clean, and affordable housing that fills this critical gap, addressing the needs of working families who are priced out of more expensive neighborhoods.
Photo: Competing property Villa Madrid Apartments.
By definition, Class C properties are older buildings, typically located in less desirable neighborhoods, and often lack modern amenities.
However, the condition of these properties depends heavily on ownership and management practices. Responsible landlords understand that Class C properties can be transformed into viable homes with proper maintenance and thoughtful investment.
These buildings can foster thriving communities. While they will never be luxury dwellings, they represent dignity, opportunity, and a better quality of life for many Houston families.
