The Mount Carmel Home for the Aged has a rich history dating back to 1945 when the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus embarked on a mission to raise funds for a home for the elderly in Corpus Christi. The sisters tirelessly walked through neighborhoods, collecting donations in the form of nickels, dimes, and quarters from area businesses and individuals. The facility originally opened in 1954 on South Alameda Street and Everhart Road, overlooking Corpus Christi Bay. It was the city's first assisted living home, offering accommodations for up to 65 residents with varying prices based on room amenities.
Operated by the Carmelite Sisters, the Mount Carmel Home welcomed individuals of all faiths. The facility expanded in 1967 to accommodate 90 residents, including a convent wing, chapel, dining room, kitchen expansions, and air conditioning. Despite its long history of providing care for the elderly, the building eventually showed signs of aging, with entranceways too small for mobility aids and an outdated air conditioning system. In 2017, the difficult decision was made to close the home due to the extensive repairs needed, totaling $17 million.
In 2019, the Ed Rachal Foundation acquired the property and began demolishing the building. The foundation plans to lease portions of the property for retail development while allocating space at the rear for the Ronald McDonald House of Corpus Christi. Although the physical structure of Mount Carmel Home is no longer standing, the legacy of care and compassion it provided to residents over the years lives on. The home's closure marks the end of an era, but it also signals a new chapter for the site as it transitions to new opportunities for the community.