The City of Austin Housing Department celebrates the groundbreaking of Cairn Point Cameron, a multifamily residential development located at 1500 East St. Johns Ave., situated by the Northeast Early College High School in Council District 4. The new community will deliver 150 studio apartments for adults aged 55 and over who are at or below 50% of the median family income (MFI) level, with 100 of these will be set aside as permanent supportive housing (PSH) along with supportive services.
“This groundbreaking is a celebratory moment with our partners Vecino Group, Caritas of Austin and Travis County,” says Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the City of Austin Housing Department. “We look forward to seeing the development progress continue as we all work together to address affordable housing needs as well as the needs of those exiting homelessness.”
The Cairn Point Cameron community is one of several projects coming online or underway around Austin, that align with the City’s larger goals to add more than 1,000 PSH units for individuals exiting homelessness by 2026. Other PSH developments include Espero Rutland (which celebrated its grand opening earlier this year), and additional developments that are expected to begin construction this year (Seabrook Square II, The Roz).
"We are excited to see this project come to fruition," said Jo Kathryn Quinn, President and CEO of Caritas of Austin. "This development is a critical step in addressing the affordable housing crisis facing our city and will provide a safe and supportive community for our older, unhoused neighbors."
Synonymous with the name “cairn,” the new 2.41-acre community will serve as a milestone or turning point for its residents. Residents will have access to amenities such as a large community room with a kitchen, business center, fitness room, food pantry, and outdoor seating area. Medical services, educational and social learning opportunities and 24/7 access to supportive services will also be available onsite.
The average size of the units is 520 square feet. The building footprint is 100,000 square feet, spanning four stories.
“Due in part to a series of recessions, high housing costs, and shortage of affordable housing, older adults are now the fastest-growing segment of America's homeless population,” says Valentin DeLeon, Director of Development for the Vecino Group. “Cairn Point, will address the unique needs of our age 55+ population.”
Funding affordable housing
This new $42 million dollar community is the result of a joint partnership between the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), Caritas of Austin, and the Vecino Group. It also is part of Travis County’s Supportive Housing Initiative Pipeline (SHIP), which leverages approximately $110 million to build over 2,000 new affordable units through 11 developments, many of which are PSH units.
Funding sources for the project included a loan of approximately $6 million through the Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) from AHFC and $6.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding from Travis County. AHFC also invested over $900,000 annually in 50 local project-based housing vouchers for the development. Additional funding sources came from the following:
Construction of Cairn Point Cameron is expected to be completed in September 2025.
About the City of Austin Housing Department
The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.
About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) was created as a public, non-profit corporation and instrumentality of the City of Austin. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin.
About Caritas of Austin
Caritas of Austin believes that when every person has a stable place to call home, they can realize their full potential and contribute to our community. We build well-being by making sure that people have safe places to live, access to healthy groceries, jobs that provide a reliable living wage, and the opportunity to learn life skills. Together, our professional staff partners with clients to construct a strong foundation and a community of ongoing support so that they can withstand the life storms that affect all of us, such as an unexpected job loss or a family illness. Our innovative, personalized, and proven approach to building well-being creates a more vibrant Austin for all.
About Vecino Group
The Vecino Group is a company devoted to development projects that address a broader community issue, set an example, give back, and inspire. They have properties across the U.S. that are similar in focus and target population. While this is The Vecino Group’s first development in Texas, the firm has experience entering into new markets and making an impact.