Caption: Photo of Parker Lane Apartments courtesy of Foundation Communities.  

AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department announces the opening of Parker Lane Apartments at 2105 Parker Lane, in District 3 in Southeast Austin. The new multifamily property will offer 135 affordable units and will include housing and amenities for those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. Residents interested in applying for an apartment should join the Foundation Communities online interested list or call the Parker Lane Apartments leasing office at 512-575-2800. 

The community will be managed by Foundation Communities and will offer features designed to make residents feel safe, such as clear sightlines and bright colors. There will also be kid-friendly amenities for outdoor play, green space, a learning center, a food pantry, and laundry facilities. 

A small percentage of the units (14) will be set aside for families with children who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and 10 units for families at or below 30% of the area’s MFI (median family income). Of the remaining 111 units, 58 units are reserved for those at or below 50% MFI and 53 units are reserved for those at or below 60% MFI. Additionally, 25 units have one bedroom; 68 units have two bedrooms; and 42 have three bedrooms. 

“The construction of this new community demonstrates the growing need for affordable housing and the City's ongoing efforts to increase affordable housing options for low-income working families,” explains Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department. “The financial assistance of Project Connect dollars reinforces our mission to prevent displacement of families as Austin improves and modernizes its transit infrastructure.” 

“We never know what life experiences our residents have had,” said Foundation Communities Senior Design Manager Anna Lake-Smith. “That’s why we employed principles of Trauma Informed Design at Parker Lane Apartments - clearly marked entrances and easy to understand signs, unobstructed sightlines and natural light in hallways, common areas that are accessible without feeling exposed, ample lighting around the site, and cheerful, welcoming colors.” 

Caption: Parker Lane Apartments courtyard courtesy of Foundation Communities.

Land repurposed

The new multi-family development is being built on the former grounds of the Parker Lane United Methodist Church (UMC). The church closed its doors, and its leaders were looking at options for the 8-acre site that would advance the mission of the church while also meeting its financial needs, and a desire to maintain a long-term presence in the neighborhood. Brooks Schuelke, District Lay Leader for the Capital District of the United Methodist Church, says they interviewed a number of different partners before deciding to work with Foundation Communities, UMC appreciated the fact that the nonprofit offered a number of wraparound services, such as after school programs, a no-cost healthy food pantry and job training – all important things that their churches do.  

Foundation Communities secured a 99-year lease agreement with a designated office space for the church. The initial occupant is the UMC-affiliated Justice for our Neighbors – which provides immigration legal services and education.

“We are hopeful that there are ways for our churches to work with FC to work with the community,” he says, adding that the church also liked that Foundation Communities wanted to include two- and three-bedroom units, which is really important for offering housing to families. “UMC also has access to the on-site learning center for use as worship space or other UMC activities if desired during the course of the lease. For FC, this was a rare opportunity to secure eight acres of land in a centrally located, transit-connected neighborhood in Austin – which has been increasingly difficult and expensive.”

Caption: Photo of Parker Lane Apartments playground courtesy of Foundation Communities. 

Bringing the Community to Fruition

Development of the Parker Lane Apartments was made possible, in part, by $15 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for construction costs. The project also received roughly $9.7 million from the City of Austin – $4.1 million in funds from 2022 General Obligation (GO) Bonds funds and $5.6 million in Project Connect dollars.  

Parker Lane Apartments are located about 1/3 mile from the new CapMetro Route 800 Pleasant Valley service and within a mile of the planned Phase 1 Light Rail route, putting it within the Project Connect anti-displacement eligibility area.  

Walter Moreau, Executive Director for Foundation Communities says it values the City of Austin’s and the AHFC’s commitment to providing affordable housing.

“We could not build the Parker (Lane) Apartments and new learning center without the investment and commitment from the City and AHFC.  We are incredibly grateful,” Moreau said.

Other public funding includes a National Housing Trust Fund loan through TDHCA, federal Capital Magnet Funds, and a HUD-insured FHA mortgage. Additional funding sources included Wells Fargo, St. David’s Foundation and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. 

Resources for affordable housing are available online at www.austintexas.gov/housing. 

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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 Foundation Communities 
Foundation Communities is an Austin-based, homegrown nonprofit. Founded in 1990, it provides affordable, attractive homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. It offers an innovative, proven model that empowers its residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. Foundation Communities owns and operates 28 affordable communities all over Austin and three in North Texas. Visit foundcom.org to learn more.