Our Story

Tropicana Companies began with the establishment of Tropicana Homes, over 75 years ago by the Bowling family. The business has remained in our family for three generations and we’ve built 42 rental communities and 15,000 houses across El Paso and the surrounding region.

In 1999, we realized there was an opportunity to expand into multi-family units to diversify our business and create new housing possibilities for our fellow El Pasoans. We began to explore the world of IRS Section 42 tax credits administered by the state housing agency (The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs or “TDHCA”) as a way to finance the development and to offer affordable housing options. Tropicana Properties was formed in 2002 when we created a partnership with Demetrio Jimenez, who serves as the lead property manager for the apartments. Today, we own and manage 37 apartment complexes.

Tropicana Building II was formed out of necessity with the success of Tropicana Homes and Tropicana Properties. Tropicana Building provides us with a means to acquire, prepare, and develop land suitable for our home and apartment communities.

We also recognized the need for a reliable mortgage lender to help us support first-time buyers in their homeownership journey. Patriot Mortgage began assisting homebuyers in 1998. In addition to being the Tropicana Homes preferred lender, Patriot Mortgage works to provide a stress-free experience to all buyers, whether they purchase a Tropicana Home or one from another builder.

From launching a pathway to homeownership program for our apartment tenants — moving residents from government-subsidized housing to their own home — to building quality, affordable homes with local suppliers and subcontractors, we strive to make a positive impact in the El Paso community. We have brought over $300 million in outside capital investment into the El Paso area, thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in tax revenues and fees to governmental entities. But most importantly, we are honored to support families and individuals as they achieve the American Dream of owning their own home.