For more than 75 years, Tropicana Companies has been a cornerstone of homebuilding in El Paso. What began in the 1940s—when El Paso was a city of just 100,000—was founded by WWII veteran R. L. Bowling, Jr., whose vision helped shape the region’s residential landscape for generations to come.
Today, four generations later, the Bowling family continues to lead one of the most recognized and highly decorated homebuilding companies in the region: Tropicana Homes. Over the decades, Tropicana has built more than 15,000 single-family homes in hundreds of neighborhoods throughout El Paso and the surrounding area, along with more than 40 rental communities totaling over 4,000 rental homes. Through these efforts, Tropicana has served hundreds of thousands of El Pasoans, created tens of thousands of local jobs, and contributed significant property taxes and fees to support the growth and operations of our city and neighboring communities.
The company is now led by R. L. Bowling IV (“Bobby”) and Randall J. Bowling (“Randy”), alongside their partner Demetrio M. Jimenez. Continuing the family tradition, Evans J. Bowling has recently begun his homebuilding career following his graduation from the University of San Diego, where he was a three-year starting right tackle for the Toreros.
In 1998, Bobby and Randy founded Patriot Mortgage Company to better serve the financing needs of Tropicana homebuyers. As a fully endorsed FHA and VA lender with in-house underwriting, Patriot Mortgage offers approvals within 24 hours and originates approximately 300 loans annually in the El Paso market. Together with Tropicana Realty, the company provides nearly three decades of “one-stop shopping,” delivering conventional, government-backed, and creative financing solutions with competitive rates and down payment options.
Recognizing the growing need for diversified housing options, Bobby and Randy expanded into multi-family development in 1999 with the creation of Tropicana Building. By utilizing IRS Section 42 tax credits administered through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Tropicana Building has helped deliver high-quality, affordable housing throughout the region. Its property management arm, Tropicana Properties, formed in 2002 in partnership with Demetrio Jimenez, currently owns and manages 41 rental townhome communities, with several additional developments completed as a general contractor or built for sale.
From 2001 to 2023, Tropicana Building was the only developer in Texas to receive at least one 9% tax credit award every year—a total of 39 awards—making it the most successful 9% tax credit developer in the state during that period.
Beyond construction, Tropicana remains deeply committed to community impact. From launching a pathway-to-homeownership program that helps apartment residents transition from government-subsidized housing to owning their own homes, to partnering with local suppliers and subcontractors, the company continues to invest in El Paso’s future. To date, Tropicana has brought more than $400 million in outside capital investment into the region, created thousands of jobs, and generated millions in tax revenues and fees.
Most importantly, Tropicana Companies is proud to support El Paso families and individuals as they pursue the American Dream of homeownership — building not just houses, but lasting communities for generations to come.
Our History in Homebuilding
Tropicana Homes began construction in 1950. In the time since, we’ve built over 15,000 homes and a new generation of builders has expanded our operations to offer more housing opportunities.
Our El Paso Brands
We believe stability and economic independence start with a safe place to live. Our affordable apartments, pathway to homeownership, quality construction, and trustworthy lending provide an accessible means to achieving self sufficiency.
Our Impact in El Paso County
Tropicana has received 39 separate awards from the Competitive Federal Tax Credit program administered by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (“TDHCA”) since Tropicana’s entry into the program in 2001. In that period of time, the Tropicana entities run by Bobby and Randy Bowling have been the most successful and most awarded in the state of Texas in the Competitive 9% Tax Credit Program. The 39 awards total over $350 million in tax credits and over $500 million in construction and development activity for El Paso and the surrounding areas. Demetrio Jimenez, owner of Tropicana Properties, Inc., is also a partner in several of the deals. The three owners live and work exclusively in El Paso and the surrounding areas and are proud to serve the affordable housing needs of all of El Paso County. Bobby and Randy also own Tropicana Homes, Patriot Mortgage, Tropicana Realty, Tropicana Building Corporation, and Tropicana Properties II along with Demetrio Jimenez.