The NRP Group and Housing Authority of Travis County Launch Major Affordable Housing Community in Southeast Austin
The NRP Group, a nationally recognized developer, builder, and manager of multifamily housing, has officially broken ground on a major new affordable housing community in Southeast Austin in partnership with the Housing Authority of Travis County. The new development, known as Sanara, will bring 348 affordable apartment homes to one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, helping address increasing housing demand while offering residents access to employment centers, transportation corridors, retail destinations, and community services.
The project represents an important step in expanding affordable housing opportunities for working families and professionals in the Austin metropolitan area, where rapid population growth and rising housing costs have placed significant pressure on residents seeking attainable rental options. All apartments within the development will be reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), ensuring that the community remains accessible to lower- and moderate-income families.
According to project leaders, Sanara has been carefully designed to meet the needs of families who are often underserved in today’s competitive housing market. The development combines affordability with modern design, high-quality amenities, and long-term community planning to create a more sustainable living environment for residents.
“Sanara is designed for families seeking attainable rents in well-connected neighborhoods, a demographic that is often underserved in today’s market,” said Max Whipple. “By prioritizing curated amenities and high-quality finishes in a thriving commercial corridor, we are creating housing that better reflects how people live today. Through our partnership with Travis County, we are delivering modern, well-designed homes where families can thrive and grow alongside the community for decades to come.”
The development marks the first tax credit partnership between The NRP Group and the Housing Authority of Travis County, while also representing the third overall collaboration between the two organizations. The partnership highlights a shared commitment to increasing the availability of affordable housing in high-growth areas where housing affordability continues to be a major concern.
Located at 4401 East Slaughter Lane in Southeast Austin, the project will be developed across a 56-acre site. Approximately 18 acres will be dedicated to residential construction, while the remaining acreage, much of which is designated floodplain, will be transferred to the City of Austin Parks Department. Plans for the surrounding land include future integration into a broader network of recreational trails and green spaces throughout East Austin, further enhancing community connectivity and outdoor access for residents.
The residential portion of the development will include 13 three-story apartment buildings designed to support families, multigenerational households, and working professionals. The community’s location provides residents with direct access to some of the region’s largest employment centers and transportation routes. Interstate 35 is less than 10 minutes away, while State Highway 130 can be reached within approximately 15 minutes.
The site also benefits from proximity to several major employers that continue to drive economic growth throughout Central Texas. Residents will have convenient commuting access to Tesla’s Gigafactory operations and Samsung’s semiconductor facilities, both of which have become major employment hubs in the region.
In addition to employment access, the surrounding area continues to experience strong commercial growth. Residents will be located near shopping centers, grocery stores, schools, restaurants, and other essential services. Southpark Meadows, one of the area’s largest retail destinations, is located less than 10 minutes from the property. Additional commercial development is also underway along the East Slaughter Lane corridor, creating further opportunities for dining, shopping, and neighborhood services in the future.
Patrick Howard emphasized the importance of preserving affordable housing opportunities in rapidly developing areas where increasing housing costs can push working families farther away from employment and services.
“Expanding access to affordable housing in high-growth areas like Southeast Austin is critical to ensuring that working families are not priced out of opportunity,” Howard said. “Sanara reflects our continued partnership with The NRP Group to deliver housing that is not only attainable, but thoughtfully designed to support long-term stability and quality of life for residents. This community will help meet growing demand across Travis County while connecting residents to nearby jobs, services, and everyday amenities.”
A major focus of the development is family-oriented housing. More than 60 percent of the apartments will feature three- and four-bedroom layouts designed to accommodate larger households and multigenerational living arrangements. The community will include 12 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom apartments, 144 three-bedroom residences, and 72 four-bedroom homes.
Each apartment will feature modern interior finishes and energy-efficient features intended to provide residents with both comfort and long-term utility savings. Planned interiors include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, contemporary cabinetry, vinyl plank flooring, walk-in closets, and Energy Star-certified appliances.
Beyond the residences themselves, Sanara will include a broad range of community amenities designed to support resident wellness, education, recreation, and financial stability. Planned amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, coworking and business center, clubhouse with lounge and community kitchen, outdoor swimming pool with seating areas, children’s activity center, and an on-site playground.
The development will also offer multiple resident support programs at no cost, including after-school programs for children, financial literacy classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, first-time homebuyer education, and other community-focused services designed to help residents achieve long-term economic stability and personal growth.
Financing for the project is being supported through a combination of public and private investment partnerships. Tax credit equity is being provided by MetLife Investment Management, while the tax credits were syndicated by Redstone Equity Partners. Construction and permanent financing are being provided by PIMCO and arranged by Berkadia.
Additionally, Safehold is participating in the project as a ground lessor, marking the first use of its ground lease structure for an affordable multifamily housing development in Texas.
“We’re pleased to partner with The NRP Group on Sanara as we continue to expand our affordable housing platform in Texas,” said Steve Wylder. “As affordability pressures persist, our focus is on providing long-term, low-cost ground lease capital that helps experienced developers move projects forward. This investment underscores our commitment to supporting the delivery of high-quality affordable housing at scale across growing markets.”
Once completed, Sanara is expected to play an important role in addressing affordable housing needs in Southeast Austin while contributing to broader community growth, economic opportunity, and long-term neighborhood stability.
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