The three-stage redevelopment of an original Austin public housing project is now complete with nearly 400 units of affordable and market-rate housing on the city's east side.

The big picture

Initially built in the New Deal era from the late 1930s into the early 1940s, Chalmers Courts brought scores of public housing spaces to East Austin.

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin, or HACA, began planning for Chalmers Courts' update and expansion in the mid-2010s. Since then, property including the original 156-unit community and an old HACA office have been redeveloped in phases around Chalmers Avenue and Third Street.The new facilities are now called Pathways at Chalmers Courts, representing one of several new affordable housing projects being built on East Austin's historic public housing sites. It joins the in-progress Rosewood Courts redevelopment farther east and planned Santa Rita Courts redevelopment nearby.

HACA leaders were joined by Austin-area officials and residents to mark the completion of the third and final phase of the $104.5 million initiative Oct. 4.

“We have more than doubled the total number of units, making it possible to house more of Austin’s families most in need," HACA President and CEO Michael Gerber said in a statement. “We’ve never rebuilt an entire neighborhood before. HACA worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we’re proud to be able to provide Chalmers Courts residents with beautiful new homes with energy efficient appliances, central air, washer/dryer hookups, free Google Fiber internet and a number of other amenities.”

The details

Pathways at Chalmers Courts includes 398 apartments, the first of which opened in the late 2010s. The overall community now includes:

• The 86-unit southern phase that opened in August 2019 with 100% units reserved for lower-income residents
• The 156-unit eastern phase that opened in May 2021 with 87% affordable units
• The newly opened 156-unit western phase with 90% affordable units

While the property is almost fully leased, anyone interested can call or submit inquiries online to schedule a visit and begin the application process.

The community features a mix of unit styles for residents. In total, about half of the new units are one-bedroom, a third are two-bedroom, 10% are three-bedroom, and about 6% are four-bedroom. The redevelopment was financed through several funding sources, including loans and land contributions.

Additionally, the project features an on-site CommUnity Care medical clinic, courtyards, Boys & Girls Club facilities, and a splash pad, playground area and basketball court.

“The new construction at Chalmers Courts substantially improves overall living conditions, making it possible for children to continue attending their neighborhood schools, and further helps strengthen the community ties among all the residents,” said Printice Gary, a managing partner with HACA's development partner Carleton Companies.