Traditionally, a cairn is a stack of stones created by people to mark an important point on a path. And soon, Austin-area seniors in need of an affordable home will find theirs at Cairn Point Cameron as its construction begins this August.
Made possible through a partnership between the Austin Housing Finance Corporation, Travis County, Caritas of Austin and the Vecino Group, the development will deliver 150 affordable housing units for seniors. Of these, 100 will be set aside as permanent supportive housing along with supportive services.
“We believe everyone deserves a home, and we strive to deliver this and more,” said Heather Bradley-Geary, Vecino Group Director of Supportive Housing. “By working with Caritas of Austin, Housing Authority of the City of Austin, and the City of Austin, we were able to secure 50 vouchers toward housing seniors in need—which for them will be truly life changing.”
Located just off Cameron Road at 1500 East St Johns Avenue, the development is a four-story building of all-new construction. The 150 housing units will be a mix of efficiency units serving seniors (55 and over) who are at or below 50% of the area median income. In addition to the living units, Cairn Point Cameron will feature a large community room with kitchen, a business center, fitness room, food pantry, and outdoor seating area. In addition, there are both leasing and supportive services offices.
“The Vecino Group focuses on work that makes a difference, which can make planning and finalizing a development more involved than a traditional property,” said Donnell McGhee, Developer on Cairn Point Cameron. “In the end, it is always worth the effort. We’re thankful to the Development Services Department at the City of Austin and their Smart Housing Review Process—this helped simplify the path to deliver senior housing for the Coronado Hills neighborhood.”
The Cairn Point Cameron team: development consulting by Jennifer Hicks/True Casa, acquisition funding provided by Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) Land Affordable Housing, Architecture and Design performed by Vecino Design, Civil Engineering by WGI and Vecino Construction will be General Contractor. Caritas of Austin—partner in the development—will provide supportive services and case management. Financing for the development is provided by Travis County, Boston Financial, Citi Community Capital, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Cairn Point Cameron is set for completion in early 2025.