North Austin News

The City of Austin Housing Department has announced the opening of Arbor Park, a new senior housing community aimed at active adults aged 55 and older. Located at 6306 McNeil Drive, in District 6 on Austin's northwest side, the community offers a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom units. It is a collaborative effort between DMA Development Company, LLC, and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC).

Arbor Park is a four-story development with 147 units, primarily for households earning no more than 80% of the median family income (MFI). The units are categorized as follows: 12 units for households at or below 30% MFI, 48 units for those at or below 50% MFI, 60 units at or below 60% MFI, and 27 market rate units.

“We are thrilled to have another community designed to fit the needs of active seniors living in Austin. Finding quality affordable housing for seniors can be challenging. Arbor Park provides affordable housing options for an often-overlooked population,” expressed Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department.

JoEllen Smith of DMA Development Company, LLC highlighted the difficulty seniors often face in finding suitable housing, stating, “Developments like Arbor Park’s affordable 55+ community in Austin are essential because they provide high-quality, stable housing for older adults who are often priced out of the market.”

Among the amenities offered at Arbor Park are a community room, fitness center, library/game room, and theater. Units come equipped with features such as nine-foot ceilings, washer/dryer hookups, vinyl plank flooring, carpeting, appliances, and miniblinds. The community is situated near local amenities, including restaurants, worship places, Rattan Creek Community Center and Park, Northwest YMCA of Austin, and various shops like H-E-B.

The project was funded through various channels, including $14.09 million in tax credit equity and a $2.2 million Housing Trust Fund loan from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). This funding mechanism allows developments to leverage tax credits in exchange for equity investments, covering a significant portion of development costs.

Smith underscored the importance of these funding sources, noting, “The success of Arbor Park Austin would not have been possible without critical funding support from the City of Austin and the Housing Tax Credit program. The $2 million in gap funding from the City played a crucial role in bridging financial shortfalls, ensuring that the project could move forward despite rising construction costs and market challenges.”

Construction began in November 2021 and concluded in September. Arbor Park is part of the Housing Department's efforts to provide comprehensive housing solutions and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Austin.