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Austin Housing Authority details Santa Rita Courts redevelopment, preservation of historic bungalows and timeline
Summary
The Housing Authority told the commission that Santa Rita Courts residents have been relocated, demolition and abatement have begun, and the two‑phase redevelopment will preserve 1939 bungalows, add ~200 total units and include an onsite pre‑K partnered with Mainspring Schools.
Sylvia Calderon, chief operating officer of the Austin Housing Authority (HACA), and Anne Gass, director of strategic housing initiatives, briefed commissioners on the Santa Rita Courts redevelopment.
Calderon framed the project in historical context, noting Santa Rita Courts dates to 1939 and is on the National Register; HACA said the aging buildings lack central HVAC and require substantial work. The redevelopment is proceeding in two phases: the West phase includes a four‑story building with approximately 96 units and a one‑story pre‑K facility that would serve about 75 children; the East phase will add roughly 104 units. The project preserves and renovates the historic 1939 bungalows, retaining one interior brick wall in each preserved bungalow for historic tax‑credit requirements while bringing interiors up to modern standards.
HACA said all 97 original subsidized units will continue to be subsidized across the redevelopment (sprinkled among the new buildings), effectively doubling the total number of units on site to about 200 while keeping 97 project‑based rental assistance units. The agency reported that resident relocation was completed on Jan. 2 and that demolition and abatement began immediately, with first West‑phase units anticipated to be available in late 2027.
Commissioners asked about unit type mix, family‑sized units and accessibility. HACA said unit mixes respond to observed demand (1‑ and 2‑bedroom wait lists are longest), that each building will have elevators and that 10% of units will be fully accessible (double the required 5% tax‑credit minimum). Community commenters urged inclusion of solar and storage; HACA said it will pursue solar through Austin Energy’s shared‑solar mechanisms and pursue Austin Energy Green Building certifications where feasible.
