Making room

So far, the new apartments planned for Odessa have been in the northeast part of town. And the proposed rent prices have definitely been toward the higher end.

But two Dallas investors are now looking at building complexes that could appeal to a larger market.

Work on the 224-unit Dorado Ranch is well under way at the intersection of Faudree and Eastridge roads. While work has been delayed on the 352-unit Tuscany just north of there on Faudree Road, city planning and zoning director Marwan Khoury said it could start at any time.

When Dorado Ranch opens, it's expected to be the first private apartment complex in Odessa since 1982.

Another complex nearby, this one within the Mission Dorado area, has been put on hold while a new developer is sought, Khoury said.

"The group who originally decided to do it decided not to," he said.

With rental prices around $1.25 per square foot, Khoury said the Dorado Ranch and Tuscany complexes could cost renters more than $700 a month.

But other complexes on the drawing board could offer a bit of a price break. Khoury said apartments at sites under negotiation would cost between 90 cents and $1 per square foot a month.

One complex would be near CrossRoads Fellowship Church, also in the northeast part of town. But the second is at Eighth Street and West Loop 338, in western Odessa.

With occupancy rates around 100 percent, low-, mid- and high-priced apartments are all needed, Khoury said.

"We need all types because we're really stretched," he said. "People cannot find a place to live."

While attracting a work force is the No. 1 problem facing Odessa, Gary Vest, economic development director for the chamber of commerce, said available housing is a crucial part of that.

"Something that complicates that even more is, if you do get somebody to move to Odessa for a job, they can't find a place to live," he said. "We need more of it to attract a work force."

Tim Lane is an Odessa resident who's definitely wants affordable apartments, he said.

Lane said he paid $400 a month when he moved in January 2007 into Quail Run Apartments, 5335 N. Grandview Ave. When he first renewed his lease, he said the cost went up to $450 a month for a 600-square-foot one bedroom.

Now, he said the apartment wants $550 a month if he's to sign on for another year or $650 to go month-to-month.

"It hurts my wallet," he said. "It's ridiculous."

Lane said he's taken to working extra hours and borrowing money from family and friends to pay the increased rent.

He said he'd welcome new apartments in Odessa - either as a new place to live or just to offer a bit more competition.

"That'd be great," he said. "It's real good. Odessa's growing pretty big."