Two new home communities will start construction by early February in North Austin near Scofield Farms. Both communities are the products of local homebuilders: Brohn Homes and IDEA Homes.

Brohn Homes

Aaron Boenig, who owns Brohn Homes with his brother, Adam, said Brohn Homes bought one of the last remaining large parcels in Austin’s urban core for The Cottages at Scofield Ridge. The community will consist of 49 single-family homes. Boenig said he expects to have 15 homes under contract by the time construction begins by late January, and build-out will be complete by the end of 2016. “It’s a great community and a great location,” said Boenig, who grew up in North Austin. “It’s truly the last [large] piece in the Anderson High School district.” Boenig said Brohn Homes chose the area for its access to major highways—located off the last free exit of MoPac—and proximity to The Domain and large tech employers. Brohn Homes worked with adjacent neighbors, whom Boenig said expected the site to be developed at some point. The company will be extending Winwick Way from Rodeo Drive to Armaga Springs Road and build a new road from Wingate Way to Armaga Springs. “We’ve been working on an agreement with the existing neighborhood association in Scofield to use their facilities,” Boenig said. Boenig describes the architecture as “soft Hill Country contemporary,” a contrast to the existing neighborhood built in the 1980s and ’90s. “You’re starting to see the architecture within the urban core or on fringe of the urban core is a little more trendy,” he said. “In those projects they’re trying to attract millennial buyers. Buyers are buying smarter than they used to. The quality is more important than the quantity.” In terms of what new homebuyers are looking for, Boenig said location and price are still key. However, he said millennial buyers also do not want to compromise on quality. “If you have all three, then it’s a recipe for success,” he said.

IDEA Homes

By early February, IDEA Homes will start building 49 single-family homes in the new Scofield Farms Meadows community. “It will attract a lot of families because of the schools, empty-nesters and even single people who want the conveniences of living in Austin without driving a long way,” said Johnny Mynhier, sales counselor for Scofield Farms Meadows. IDEA has already presold 10 homes. Construction should be complete in the fall. The community does not have any recreational amenities, such as a pool, but the homeowners association fees will cover maintenance of common areas, he said. “It’s more fore people looking for that lifestyle where they can lock and leave,” he said.