Partner Spotlight: Lēva Living

Founded in 2020 by Bobby Orr, Jeff Williams, and Jennifer Orr, Lēva Living emerged in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by a growing demand for space, connection, and flexible living. The company focuses on creating cottage-style rental home communities that combine the privacy of single-family homes with the lifestyle benefits of communal living. 

As President of Lēva Living, Jennifer Orr has grown alongside the company. Early on, she led its real estate strategy, from site selection to due diligence. Working closely with Jeff and strategic partners like ALJ Lindsey and Gromax Development, she gained deep insight into development and infrastructure planning. 

Alongside Bobby, Jennifer was also involved in fundraising and investor relations. Today, as their first project moves into construction, she oversees property management, leasing, and marketing, while actively preparing for what’s next. 

Focused Vision – Focused Markets 

At the heart of Lēva Living’s philosophy is a clear focus on one product type. “We primarily focus on cottage-style, freestanding rental communities, offering the charm and privacy of a standalone home with the convenience of rental living,” said Orr. “While we’ve explored other product types, the cottage model is our passion and priority.” Geographically, Lēva Living is currently concentrated in Houston. 

A Strategic Partnership with HALL Structured Finance 

The team was introduced to HALL Structured Finance (HSF) through Paul Smyth at Broadsword Investors, leading to what has since become a collaborative relationship. “Working with HSF has been fantastic. Their creative, solution-oriented approach and steady commitment helped us overcome numerous challenges,” said the Lēva Living team. 

At a time when traditional financing has become increasingly limited, HSF’s willingness to take a nuanced view of Lēva Living’s vision was pivotal. “We had been close with several commercial banks but concerns about our product type or experience kept getting in the way,” Orr said. “HSF didn’t just share our vision…they leaned in, structured a creative deal, and helped us get across the finish line.” 

Introducing Humble Ranch 

Earlier this year, HSF and Lēva Living closed on a $36.21 million construction loan for the Humble Ranch project. Humble Ranch will be a 160-unit community, offering a mix of one-bedroom duplexes and two- and three- bedroom detached homes. Features will include 9-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and private fenced yards with patios.   

“Humble Ranch is designed as a true neighborhood, made up of freestanding, cottage-style homes that offer privacy, space, and community,” Orr explains. “It’s about giving people the freedom of a lock-and-leave lifestyle with no maintenance and no long-term commitment, while still enjoying the benefits of home-like living.”  

Community amenities will include a clubhouse, business center, resort-style pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. One of the most exciting aspects of Humble Ranch is its proximity to a major public amenity – a new 21-acre county park, developed through an $11.5 million investment. “Our residents will have access directly from the clubhouse. It’s a rare and valuable amenity that enhances the overall experience,” said Orr.  

Meeting a Rising Demand for Flexible Housing 

With housing affordability and accessibility becoming a national concern, Humble Ranch meets the moment. 

“Homeownership has become more difficult due to rising costs, and many people are seeking alternatives that offer space without sacrifice,” Orr explains. “Humble Ranch addresses this demand head-on, providing a new kind of rental product that offers comfort, flexibility, and affordability, all in a less dense, more desirable environment.” 

Located in the rapidly growing Humble/Atascocita area, the development benefits from an influx of retail, infrastructure investment, and proximity to the Bush Intercontinental Airport. With plans underway for a new high school and expanding public services, Lēva Living sees strong indicators of long-term sustainability and demand. 

 “This is our flagship project, so we’re setting the tone and standard for everything to come. It represents our vision and values and is shaping the blueprint for future developments,” said Orr.  

Looking ahead, the company is exploring new opportunities, particularly in Northwest Houston, where it sees potential for further expansion of its community-focused approach. 

“Renters want more than just a place to live; they want lifestyle, community, and value,” said Orr. “We’ve also seen a shift toward creative financing, which is critical in this environment. Working with forward-thinking lenders like HSF has been key to our success, and we’ll continue exploring innovative deal structures to bring our vision to life.”  

To learn more about Lēva Living and the Humble Ranch development, visit https://www.levaliving.com.