Community partners, stakeholders and neighbors gathered in the Montopolis neighborhood on June 18th to officially mark the beginning of a truly transformative housing development for Austin.
Iris Gardens will deliver 150 units for people aged 55+, as well as access to supportive services that promote dignity, independence, and safety. It is also Austin’s first LGBTQ+ -affirming affordable housing community for older adults, developed through a partnership between Austin-based non-profit Family Eldercare and national permanent supportive housing developer Vecino Group.
“Like many of us, this development has gone through a lot over the last two years” said Valentin DeLeon, Vecino Group Director of Development as he kicked off the ceremony. “What better time to unveil the name for this new development than the groundbreaking today—so I thank you all for joining us here today for Iris Gardens!”
“This development is poised to deliver so much more than just its housing offering—through our work with Family Eldercare and Rainbow Connections we will help people find their sense of place through the strength of the community.”
Speakers at the event included partners, supporters and community members, including DeLeon, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Senator Sarah Eckhardt, City Councilperson Ryan Alter, Veterans Affairs Commission Rep. Bryce Laake-Stanfield, Andrew Markenson of Redstone Financial, resident Richard Gartner and partner/owner – Family Eldercare CEO Aaron Alarcon.
“This is a dream come true, to bring this type of housing to the community,” said Dr. Alarcon. “Our organization—for 42 years—has served the underserved, provided care for those in-need, and has constantly changed and adapted along with our Austin community. Our vision is a world where all vulnerable people in the world thrive, and Iris Gardens is a step toward this world becoming reality for so many.”
Located at 1013 Montopolis Drive in Austin, Iris Gardens will deliver 150 brand new, affordable homes—in a mix of 1-Bed and 2-Bed units—that all will serve households at or below 30, 50 and 60% Area Median Income. The 4-story building will have a ground-level fitness area and a large, multipurpose community room, a second-level lounge conference room, and shared laundry on the second- and third-level.
Onsite supportive services will include service coordination and permanent supportive housing for residents exiting homelessness. For residents that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, Rainbow Connections—a program of Family Eldercare—will provide programming focused on promoting the well-being and quality of life of this community.
To help bring home the impact this work will have for seniors, Austin nonagenarian Richard Gartner—current Family Eldercare property resident and future Iris Gardens resident—shared some of his journey.
“I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear about this new development. This will provide a real home for so many “well-seasoned” adults in the LGBTQ community. Home means you feel safe; home means you belong.”
“So now, as a well-seasoned, 91-year-old gay man, I can tell you for most of my life I can tell you that I didn’t feel like I belonged. Growing up I just thought I was a ‘sissy’—that’s what all the kids called me anyway. One day, when I was in my 70s, it hit me: I need a peer group. So I got involved with the Prime Timers program. What a difference. I’ve learned so much about myself, and through these relationships feel loved for who I am.”
“And this is exactly the environment Iris Gardens will create—a peer group,” Gartner continued. “People who can related to you. Friends and neighbors to support you through good times and bad. A family to lean on as you grow older together. A home—where you belong.”
“I love seeing this impossible dream coming to life.”
Lead Architect is Vecino Design, with Kimley Horn as Civil Engineer, and STAND as Structural Engineer. Vecino Construction is General Contractor. Substantial construction is scheduled to take 24 months.
The $51 Million development was made possible through support and funding from Austin Housing Finance Corporation, Travis County, CITI Bank, and Redstone Equity. Iris Gardens is set for completion by late Spring 2027.
