New Affordable Housing Complex Honors Legacy of Cirildo Tobias

A new affordable housing complex named after community leader Cirildo “Toby” Tobias was unveiled on February 18, 2024, in Worth Heights, a neighborhood in south Fort Worth, Texas. The complex, known as Tobias Place, spans 11 acres and is designed to provide affordable living options for local residents, particularly those who earn lower incomes.

Angela Tobias, the daughter of Cirildo Tobias, expressed her pride and emotion during the opening ceremony. “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 said, reflecting on her father’s impact on the community. Cirildo Tobias, who passed away in 2012, was well-known for his dedication to helping others, particularly children in the area.

Located at 549 W. Biddison St., Tobias Place features a modern aesthetic with light gray and teal color schemes. The three-story building includes a pool, cabana area, community room, business center, workout room, and library, as well as co-working spaces. Approximately 90% of the 291 units are designated for residents earning 60% of the Fort Worth area median income, which is $85,350 for a family of four.

Council member Elizabeth Beck, who spoke at the event, emphasized the significance of the project for the community. “They have a place to live with dignity,” she stated. “They have someplace beautiful to call home.” The complex is one of the few developments in Worth Heights in decades, offering much-needed housing options to local residents.

A strong sense of community was evident during the unveiling. Council member Jeanette Martinez, who represents the area, remarked that the new facility will “open doors to opportunity” for its residents. The location of Tobias Place, directly across from the Victory Forest Community Center, further enhances its accessibility for the community.

The project was developed by Ojala Holdings, a Dallas-based company, with financial support from several local organizations, including Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, and Regions Bank. Daniel Smith, managing director of Ojala Holdings, recognized the collaborative effort that made the project possible. He credited former Fort Worth assistant city manager Fernando Costa as “the visionary and the architect” behind Tobias Place.

Smith noted that building trust with the community was crucial. “Trust is not something that’s bought, it’s earned,” he remarked, recalling his efforts to engage local leaders throughout the development process. The name of the complex, as well as its design, were influenced by community input, reinforcing the project’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Cirildo Tobias.

For Angela Tobias, the opening of the complex brings both joy and a sense of fulfillment. “Every time I drive by here, it makes me so happy to see that,” she said, highlighting the significance of her father’s name living on in a place that serves the community.

The establishment of Tobias Place represents a positive step forward in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Fort Worth, providing residents with a dignified living space that honors a beloved community figure. As the complex opens its doors, it stands as a testament to the potential for positive change when community and development efforts align.