Travis County Approves Revitalization of Eagles Landing Affordable Housing in Austin
Eagles Landing to Receive Overhaul
On June 25th, the Travis County commissioners approved a key resolution that gives the green light for renovations to take place at the Eagles Landing affordable housing development located on Decker Lane in Austin. A partnership of Austin’s affordable housing department and developer April Housing, specializing in affordable housing, intend to apply for a 4% non-competitive low-income housing tax credit with the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Constructed back in 2003, the development consists of 240 units which primarily serve families, most of these units offering two or three bedrooms. With this resolution, the multi-decade old apartment complex looks to get a much-needed facelift and ensure it stays up to National Housing code.
Plan Layout
Proposed improvements to the site, as per the submitted documents, include replacing of current infrastructure such as windows, wiring or appliances. These upgrades will not only improve living conditions but also help reduce energy costs, putting less financial burden on future renters – an important aspect of affordable housing.
As per the information provided to the commissioners and in collaboration with the Austin Affordable Public Facility Corporation, rent for the rehabilitated units will range from $1,314-$1,822. The renovated complex will aim to primarily serve households within the very low income range, defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as between $58,400-$70,080 for a four-person household.
Overall, this is a significant drop compared to the 2023 reported median household income for a family of four in Austin which was $122,300. Besides the affordable rent, the residents will also have access to facilities like a bus stop located right on the property, and are within reach of other amenities, such as a full-service pediatric medical center, grocery store and a recreational facility.
Austin Affordable Public Facility Corporation and Private Activity Bonds
Partnering with Austin Affordable PFC, an organization dedicated to expanding access to private activity bond financing for affordable housing, this project represents one of the first rehabilitation endeavors in affordable housing. These bonds issued by local or state governments fund initiatives like affordable housing, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure projects that benefit the public.
Comments from the Stakeholders
During the public hearing, Precinct 1 Commissioner Jeff Travillion showed his support for the project asserting that rehabilitating properties over time is of vital importance. Precinct 2 Commissioner Brigid Shea echoed Travillion’s sentiments raising relevant questions about other future affordable housing developments such as Eagles Landing.
Monique Coleman, the county’s supportive housing division director, expressed excitement over the prospects of this project, noting that the rehabilitation of older, affordable housing units would improve living standards and ease financial stress on families by reducing energy bills.
The Travis County Commissioners assured that more information would be shared on future similar endeavors like the “Project Rehab”. The approval of the Eagles Landing project could be a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to provide, maintain, and improve affordable housing resources throughout Austin.
