Affordable, supportive housing complex the Roz is moving forward in Southeast Austin. The project on 1.65 acres located at 3435 Parker Lane has secured financing, the city’s Housing Department announced Wednesday.
Developer and tax-credit and private-activity bond consultant SGI Ventures and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation collaborated on the Roz, which will serve peopele experiencing chronic homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Saigebrook, O-SDA Industries, and New Hope Housing are development consultants.
Located in the Parker Lane neighborhood, the Roz will be adjacent to Mabel Davis District Park and half a mile from an Imagine Austin Center in the Parker Lane. The city chose the name for the project for a number of reasons, according to a press release:
Roz is of English origin and means “pretty rose.” It is a nod to the namesake of the adjacent park, Mabel Davis, who was instrumental in supporting gardens throughout the city. The name also refers to “an acclaimed protector,” embodying the critical role this development will play in providing long-term, safe, and stable housing for some of Austin’s most vulnerable residents.
All 100 of the rental units will be fully furnished, and rent will include all utilities. Twenty of the apartments will be set aside for families at or below 30 percent Median Family Income for the area, 60 for families at or below 50 percent MFI, and 20 for those at or below 60 percent MFI. Every unit will have a dedicated voucher, ensuring residents can live at the property regardless of their ability to pay.
Each of the 100 studios will have amenities such as high-efficiency appliances and lighting, hard-surface counter tops in the kitchens and bathrooms, and resilient hard-surface flooring. Community amenities will include a library, a cyber lounge, a community multipurpose room, outdoor seating areas, laundry facilities, and offices. There will also be meeting rooms for supportive services coordinators and health professionals. Volunteers of America will serve as property manager and Family Endeavors will be the service provider.
Funding sources for the project include $16.3 million via the 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credits program. The Austin Housing Finance Corporation provided $5.5 million through the Rental Housing Development Assistance program using General Obligation Bonds. The Austin Housing Finance Corporation awarded the Roz 60 project-based vouchers, and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin contributed another 40 of the vouchers.
Construction of the 69,487-square-foot $24 million develpment began in October and is expected to end in spring 2026.
