CLIENT
Small Places

BUILDING AREA
6,200 GSF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Finca Tres Robles is a community-focused urban farm and grocery store dedicated to increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce in Houston’s Second Ward, a historically underserved area with limited access to healthy food. Founded in 2014 by Small Places, the farm has become an important neighborhood resource, providing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, hosting farm stands, and distributing fresh produce to food-insecure families in partnership with organizations such as El Centro de Corazón.

In collaboration with Harris County Precinct 2, Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and the Harris County Engineering Department, Finca Tres Robles secured a 1.5-acre site near its original location, establishing a permanent home in Houston’s East End. The relocation allows the organization to maintain its strong neighborhood connections while expanding its agricultural operations, educational programming, and community outreach.

Designed by RDLR Architects, the completed 6,200-square-foot facility brings together a neighborhood grocery store, flexible events pavilion, teaching kitchen, and produce processing areas. The site also features a welcoming outdoor gathering lawn shaded by three existing oak trees and approximately half an acre dedicated to urban farming.

The expanded facility was designed to support Finca Tres Robles' goal of tripling its community impact, increasing its capacity to serve up to 450 households. The grocery store provides space for a broader selection of fresh produce and essential food items, while the teaching kitchen supports hands-on cooking classes, nutrition education, and community engagement. The events pavilion and outdoor gathering spaces accommodate farmers markets, educational activities, and neighborhood events, creating opportunities for residents to connect through food and agriculture.

Strategically located among residential neighborhoods, emerging mixed-use development, and community facilities, Finca Tres Robles strengthens connections throughout Houston's East End. The completed project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture, urban agriculture, and community partnerships can work together to address food insecurity, promote healthy living, and create a lasting neighborhood destination.