Owned by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation and managed and operated by Family Eldercare, the 2-acre property began renting studio apartments to people in August, according to a news release from the city of Austin’s Housing Department.
Two-minute impact
Residents of Pecan Gardens have access to housing-stability services—including case management, health assessments and living skills coordination—and community-building activities, according to the release.
Tenants receive yearly leases and will not pay more than 30% of their income in rent, and utilities are covered. There is an on-site food pantry, and pets are welcome.
The facility is located where the Candlewood Suites Hotel was previously. Renovations began in May 2023, transforming the hotel into 78 furnished studio apartments, according to the release.
Residents were referred to the facility through the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition Coordinated Entry System, which finds and organizes housing options for people in need.
The new facility aims to connect seniors with the help they need as they age so they don’t have to leave their community, according to the release. Clinic services are provided on-site in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.
How we got here
The AHFC purchased the property in August 2021 for $9.55 million, and all 78 units will be supported by the local housing voucher program.
The new facility is one in a string of acquisitions by the city of Austin to increase its homeless shelter and housing capacity.
The project’s opening follows controversy in 2022, including perceived poor communication between the city of Austin and Williamson County and security concerns regarding a break-in at the building.
Quote of note
“At Family Eldercare, we are committed to a ‘housing first’ approach and believe that housing is a fundamental right,” said Aaron Alarcon, CEO of Family Eldercare.
