AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department is excited to announce the financing of the latest affordable, supportive housing residence, The Roz. Once constructed, the residences will sit on 1.65 acres located at 3435 Parker Lane in District 3 on the city’s Southeast side, directly adjacent to Mabel Davis District Park and within a half mile of an Imagine Austin Center.  

The Roz will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Its development is the result of a collaboration between SGI Ventures and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation. SGI Ventures is a developer and tax credit and private activity bond consultant. It has been active in the affordable housing industry since 1996 and has developed over 1,000 affordable units.  

Saigebrook, O-SDA Industries, and New Hope Housing are all acting as development consultants.  

The name, The Roz, is fitting, given this new community’s goal. Roz is of English origin and means “pretty rose.” It is a nod to the namesake of the adjacent park, Mabel Davis, who was instrumental in supporting gardens throughout the city. The name also refers to “an acclaimed protector,” embodying the critical role this development will play in providing long-term, safe, and stable housing for some of Austin’s most vulnerable residents. 

“Developing new supportive housing residences is crucial as homelessness increases locally and across the country. Factors such as the lack of affordable housing and high rent prices contribute to this increase,” explains Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department. “The Roz directly addresses homelessness and adds to the city’s growing stock of deeply affordable, supportive housing.” 

Sally Gaskin, president of SGI Ventures, agrees. “Permanent supportive housing with wrap-around supportive and health care services is the key to resolving the homelessness crisis in Austin,” she says. 

All units will be fully furnished and will include all utilities paid. Of the 100 available units, 20 will be set aside for families at or below 30 percent MFI (Median Family Income), 60 units for families at or below 50 percent MFI and 20 units for those at or below 60 percent MFI. Every unit will have a dedicated voucher, ensuring residents can live at the property regardless of their ability to pay.  

Each of the 100 studios will have amenities such as high-efficiency appliances and lighting, hard surface counter tops in the kitchens and bathrooms, and resilient hard surface flooring. Community amenities will include a library, cyber lounge, community multi-purpose room, outdoor seating areas, community laundry and offices. There will also be meeting rooms for supportive services coordinators and health professionals. Volunteers of America will serve as property manager and Family Endeavors will be the service provider. 

Credit: Rendering of The Roz, courtesy of SGI Ventures Inc.
 

Development funding source

Several funding sources helped this project come to fruition, including $16.3M via the 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LITHC) program. The Austin Housing Finance Corp. (AHFC) provided $5.5 million through the Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) program using General Obligation (GO) Bonds. Sixty project-based vouchers from the Austin Housing Finance Corporation have been awarded to The Roz, along with 40 project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA).   

Gaskin says SGI Ventures is honored to be participating with the Austin Housing Finance Corporation in the public-private partnership to develop The Roz.  

“It is through the mission driven collaborative efforts of our Mayor and City Council, Austin Housing Finance Corporation, Housing Authority of the City of Austin and philanthropic partners that developments like The Roz are possible,” Gaskin adds. 

Total construction costs of the 69,487 square foot development are approximately $24 million. Construction began in October and is expected to end in the Spring of 2026. 

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About the City of Austin Housing Department
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing solutions, community development, and displacement prevention services to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.

About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation 
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) was created as a public, non-profit corporation and instrumentality of the City of Austin. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin. 

About the Housing Authority of the City of Austin 
Established in 1937, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is an independent public unit separate from the City of Austin and responsible to an autonomous Board of Commissioners. HACA frequently works in partnership with civic and community groups to meet the needs of low-income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and persons experiencing homelessness. Its mission is to cultivate sustainable, affordable housing communities and partnerships that inspire self-reliance, growth, and optimism. As a High-Performing housing authority that assists more than 20,000 Austinites, HACA owns and operates about 2,000 units of subsidized housing in multiple developments across Austin.
 

About the SGI Ventures Inc.
SGI Ventures, Inc. is a developer and tax credit and private activity bond consultant. It has been active in the affordable housing industry since 1996 and has developed over 1,000 affordable units. 
 

About Saigebrook Development 
Saigebrook Development, LLC creates exceptional affordable housing developments that serve the local workforce while also providing options for market rate rental units within each community. Established in 1996, the WBE- and HUB-certified real estate development consulting firm has developed and constructed more than 6,800 rental homes across the southeastern United States.
 

About O-SDA Industries 
O-SDA Industries, LLC is a City of Austin MBE/WBE/Texas HUB-certified real estate development firm with deep expertise in building affordable housing communities that meet the unique needs of each city and individual neighborhood they serve. Since 2011, O-SDA has been part of over 25 successful 9% Housing Tax Credit applications for projects across the state of Texas.