179-unit affordable housing project opens in southeast Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — City and housing leaders are celebrating the opening of a new affordable housing development in southeast Austin aimed at serving those 55 and older, people exiting homelessness and those with disabilities.

The Ekos City Heights apartments are now open at 4400 Nuckols Crossing Road, the Austin Housing Finance Corporation and McDowell Housing Partners announced Tuesday. Officials note the 179 units on site are all income-restricted and feature one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.

Among the total units, 10 will serve as permanent supportive housing to provide long-term leasing or rental assistance along with supportive services. Among the 179 units:

• 110 are allocated for households at or below 50% of the median family income
• 59 units will serve households at or below 80% of the median family income
• 10 units will be designated for households at or below 30% of the median family income
• 18 units will be accessible for those with mobility impairments
• 4 units will be accessible for those with hearing or visual impairments

Development work on the apartments cost roughly $42 million. A variety of funding sources were used for the development, including a $3 million loan from the Austin Housing Financial Corporation.

“We are excited to celebrate the opening of yet another property that is not only an affordable housing residence but one which will also serve those 55 and older, individuals with impairments and those exiting homelessness,” said Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Austin Housing Department, in the release. “These new residences highlight the value the City places on all Austin residents, including seniors and people experiencing homelessness.”

Officials will host an opening of the apartments Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. More details on the apartments are available online.