April 8, 2026
Norman Commons Opens in East Austin, Bringing 156 Affordable Homes to District 1
Courtesy of Foundation Communities. Mural by Austin artist Toni Ardizzone depicting members of the East Austin Trail Riders.
For anyone experiencing homelessness in the Austin/Travis County area, a Coordinated Assessment (CA) is a good first step on the path back to a place to live. The CA is a housing needs evaluation where anyone experiencing homelessness in Austin/Travis County can apply for the majority of our community’s housing programs. For an up-to-date list of agencies that offer CAs, visit www.austinecho.org/gethelp.
AUSTIN, TX — Austin Housing and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) are excited to announce the much-anticipated opening of Norman Commons, a new affordable housing community located in District 1 at 5712 Jackie Robinson St. The opportunity to develop this city-owned site was awarded by the AHFC to Foundation Communities and fellow nonprofit, Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), through a competitive RFP process.
Norman Commons development brings 156 new rental homes to East Austin, serving households at or below 30%, 50%, and 60% of the median family income (MFI), with a mix of one- to four-bedroom units designed for individuals and families. At least 16 units will be accessible for individuals with disabilities, while 3 will be set aside for individuals with sensory impairments. Norman Commons represents a strategic investment in preserving affordability and preventing displacement in East Austin, where rising housing costs continue to impact long-time residents and working families.
“This community reflects Austin’s continued commitment to creating housing opportunities that meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents,” said Deletta Dean, Director of Austin Housing. “Norman Commons not only provides deeply affordable homes—it connects families to the resources they need to thrive and remain rooted in our city.”
Norman Commons expands access to stable, high-quality housing in an area experiencing rapid change, while connecting residents to supportive services that promote long-term success. The community includes an on-site learning center, case management services, and additional amenities designed to support residents’ educational, financial, and overall well-being. Ten percent of units prioritize families experiencing or at risk of homelessness earning at or below 30 percent of the median family income. Foundation Communities will connect those families with supportive services.
"Norman Commons brings together affordable homes and the on-site support families need to move forward,” said Walter Moreau, Executive Director of Foundation Communities. “By connecting residents to education, financial stability programs, and community resources, we’re helping create the conditions for long-term success."
Financing and Partnerships
The AHFC acquired 7.96 acres of land in 2018 from the Austin Independent School District (AISD). Norman Commons was built on part of this land; GNDC will develop the remaining land into a 32-unit affordable ownership community called Ada Anderson Place. GNDC anticipates beginning construction later this year.
Norman Commons is made possible through a complex, multi-layered financing structure that reflects the City’s commitment to expanding affordable housing in areas vulnerable to displacement. The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) awarded more than $8.86 million via the Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) program – consisting of $436,331 from the 2022 General Obligation Bonds and more than $8.4 million in Project Connect funds.
Additional financing includes:
A $31.5 million tax-exempt bond issued by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
A $4.4 million construction loan and $14.8 million permanent loan from Wells Fargo
$25.5 million in 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity
$850,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
$2.5 million in Capital Magnet Funds
A $2 million sponsor loan from Foundation Communities
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About Austin Housing
Austin Housing creates and preserves housing opportunities to stabilize communities. To access affordable housing and community resources that help you, 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 29 affordable communities all over Austin and three in North Texas. Visit foundcom.org to learn more.
About Guadalupe Neighborhood Development (GNDC)
GNDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with more than 40 years of experience developing and managing affordable rental and homeownership opportunities for families with generational ties to East Austin.
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