The Pontiac Grand Prix hit a pole on Baird near Bell around 1am outside Eastlawn Apartments.
Police say the driver was speeding northbound on Baird when he lost control and slid sideways.
He crashed into the wooden pole on the driver's side, splitting the pole in half and knocking down power lines.
Investigators said they could smell alcohol on the driver. He was pried out of his car and taken to the hospital in serious condition.
All 24 units at Eastlawn Apartments were without lights. It took CenterPoint about five hours to restore power to the building.
