“Today’s grand opening signifies opportunity, freedom—or Libertad, a name fitting for this new community. This development means more families in stable homes that they can afford," council member José Velázquez said at a Nov. 7 ribbon-cutting event.
The overview
Located at 900 Gardner Road, the Vecino Group-developed Libertad features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units for tenants earning up to 30%-60% of the local median family income, or MFI. The Austin area's MFI is currently $133,800 for a four-person household.
A share of the complex's nearly 200 units is also reserved for tenants exiting homelessness. The Housing Authority of the City of Austin dedicated 50 project-based housing vouchers for permanent supportive housing units. Half are general purpose, while the other 25 are reserved for chronically homeless veterans.
“We’re very grateful to have the opportunity to do that because behind every voucher is a story, a person who will finally have a safe space to sleep, a kitchen to cook in and the dignity of a permanent address," HACA President and CEO Michael Gerber.
Libertad is located on land acquired by the Austin Housing Finance Corp., the city's strategic housing nonprofit, and received $4.5 million of anti-displacement funding from the Project Connect transit system. The project was also awarded housing tax credits by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Austin Community Development Officer Jamey May noted Libertad is just one of many affordable residential developments the city is currently supporting; about 13,000 income-restricted units are now under construction around town.
“We are pushing out dollars but we’re also pushing out homes. We’re trying to get people into homes and bring down the cost of living in the city of Austin," May said. "Austin is still one of the greatest cities in the world, and people still want to move here, so we need to build as many housing units as we possibly can.”
“It’s about freedom, the kind of freedom that comes when you no longer have to live in a state of survival mode. The kind of freedom that allows you to start dreaming and start rebuilding your life again," he said.
Caritas President and CEO Jo Kathryn Quinn also highlighted the impacts of the new development on the east side.
“Together we have created not just a housing community but a thriving neighborhood where families will build memories, achieve their dreams and contribute to the vibrant city of Austin," she said.
Libertad is located next to more city-supported affordable housing that's now under construction.
The Johnny Limon Village project from the Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corp. will include 27 income-restricted homes developed through Austin's Community Land Trust program. The houses, ranging from two- to four-bedrooms, are expected to open in late 2026 and early 2027.
