Austin, TX – April 6th, 2023: Libertad is Spanish for “freedom”—and soon many families in Austin, TX will experience this through their own newly-built home.
March 9th officially marked the beginning of construction for Libertad Austin, a community that will provide affordable housing options for the Govalle/Johnston Terrace Neighborhood in South Austin. It is made possible through a partnership between the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC); Vecino Group, a national development company that specializes in affordable and supportive housing, as well as non-profit partners Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC) and Caritas of Austin. As part of the neighborhood, GNDC are developing affordable for sale townhomes on the property and Caritas will provide onsite supportive services for Libertad residents.
“Austin has a high quality of life, leading to it’s steady growth. With growth comes demand for housing—and more affordability and opportunities are critical to community success,” said Donnell McGhee, Director of Development for the Vecino Group. “We are excited to work with the AHFC and our amazing local partners on Libertad Austin to help ensure the Govalle/Johnston Terrace Neighborhood will remain home to dozens of families.”
The completed development—located 900 Gardner Road—will deliver 198 affordable homes geared toward couples and families with children. The new $61.1 million community will consist of 3 four-story buildings providing 59 one-bed units, 95 two-bedroom units and 44 three-bedroom units. Libertad will offer affordable rents set at 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% average median gross income (AMGI). Amenities will include a furnished fitness center, business center, furnished community room, community dining room with warming kitchen, children’s playscape, sports court, bike parking.
As with each Vecino Group developments, Libertad was created to serve its community. Local non-profit partner Caritas of Austin will spearhead the on site supportive services for families, which include programming for K-12 children as well as life-skills, financial planning and employment counseling for adults. The first building at Libertad is scheduled to be ready for residents by early 2025.
