The NRP Group Breaks Ground on 336-Unit Affordable Housing Community in Travis County
The NRP Group, one of the nation’s leading vertically integrated developers, builders, and managers of multifamily housing, has officially reached financial closing and broken ground on Catalina, a new 336-unit affordable housing community in Travis County near Austin, Texas. The project represents another major investment in affordable housing at a time when Central Texas continues to experience rapid population growth, rising housing costs, and increasing demand for quality homes that remain accessible to working families.
Catalina is being developed through a partnership between The NRP Group and the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC), marking the fourth affordable housing collaboration between the two organizations. Once completed, the community will provide modern, high-quality apartment homes for households earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI), creating new opportunities for families, essential workers, and individuals seeking affordable housing close to employment centers and community services.
The groundbreaking highlights the continued commitment of local public agencies and private-sector partners to expand affordable housing options across Travis County. As housing affordability remains one of the region’s most pressing challenges, Catalina is expected to play an important role in increasing the supply of quality homes while supporting long-term community growth.
Addressing the Region’s Housing Needs
Austin and the surrounding Travis County area have experienced significant economic expansion over the past decade, attracting new employers, technology companies, and thousands of new residents. While this growth has strengthened the regional economy, it has also placed considerable pressure on the local housing market, making affordable housing increasingly difficult to secure for many households.
Catalina has been designed to help address this imbalance by offering homes that remain attainable for residents across a range of income levels. By targeting households earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income, the development will provide housing opportunities for individuals and families who might otherwise struggle to find quality rental options within reasonable commuting distance of major employment hubs.
According to The NRP Group, projects such as Catalina demonstrate how collaborative partnerships between public agencies, private developers, and financial institutions can help create meaningful housing solutions that benefit both residents and the wider community.
Building on a Successful Partnership
Catalina represents the fourth affordable housing development undertaken jointly by The NRP Group and the Housing Authority of Travis County. The long-standing partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding housing opportunities while maintaining high standards of design, construction quality, and resident services.
Max Whipple, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group, said the project reflects the growing efforts by Travis County leaders to respond to increasing housing demand through strategic public-private collaboration.
He noted that Catalina demonstrates what can be achieved when organizations work together toward a common goal of improving housing affordability without compromising quality or the overall resident experience.
The continued collaboration also reinforces the importance of combining public resources with private-sector expertise to deliver housing that meets both current and future community needs.
Convenient Location Near Major Employment Centers
Catalina will be constructed on a 15-acre site along Cameron Road in Travis County, offering residents convenient access to some of the region’s largest employment centers.
The community is located less than ten minutes from Interstate 35 and approximately fifteen minutes from State Highway 130, providing direct transportation connections throughout the Austin metropolitan area.
Its location places residents near several major employers, including Samsung’s expanding semiconductor operations, the Tech Ridge business district, and the EastVillage mixed-use development.
The proximity to these employment centers allows residents to reduce commuting times while maintaining access to stable employment opportunities across multiple industries.
Modern Apartment Homes Designed for Families
The new development will consist of 12 three-story residential buildings featuring a diverse mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartment homes.
The variety of floor plans is intended to accommodate different household sizes, from single professionals and couples to larger families requiring additional living space.
Each residence has been designed with modern finishes and energy-efficient features that enhance both comfort and long-term affordability.
Interior features will include:
- Stainless steel kitchen appliances
- Granite countertops
- Contemporary cabinetry
- Vinyl plank flooring
- Spacious walk-in closets
- ENERGY STAR-certified appliances
These features provide residents with homes that combine durability, functionality, and attractive design while helping reduce utility consumption through energy-efficient systems.
Community Amenities Focused on Resident Well-Being
Beyond individual apartment homes, Catalina has been planned as a community that promotes wellness, recreation, and social connection.
Residents will have access to a comprehensive collection of amenities designed to support healthy lifestyles and strengthen neighborhood relationships.
Community features will include:
- Resort-style swimming pool
- Twenty-four-hour fitness center
- Business center
- Multipurpose community room with a full kitchen
- Children’s activity room
- Outdoor playground
- Landscaped green spaces
- Outdoor seating and gathering areas
These shared amenities provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and community engagement while creating an attractive living environment for residents of all ages.
Transportation Support for Residents
Recognizing that transportation remains a significant challenge for many households, Catalina will also offer a complimentary shuttle service designed to improve mobility and access to essential services.
The shuttle will transport residents to nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and other important destinations, particularly benefiting households without personal vehicles or individuals facing mobility limitations.
This transportation support helps reduce barriers to daily necessities while enhancing residents’ overall quality of life.
Comprehensive Resident Services
Catalina has been designed as more than simply an affordable housing development. The community will also provide a wide range of supportive services intended to promote long-term financial stability, educational advancement, and personal development.
Residents will have access to programs including:
- After-school childcare and educational support
- Financial literacy classes
- English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
- First-time homebuyer education
- Additional resident support services
Importantly, these programs will be offered at no additional cost, allowing residents to take advantage of educational and financial resources that may contribute to greater long-term stability and economic mobility.
By integrating supportive programming directly into the community, Catalina seeks to create opportunities that extend beyond housing alone.
Strong Public-Private Financing Structure
The development has been made possible through a comprehensive financing structure involving multiple public and private organizations committed to expanding affordable housing.
Huntington Community Development Corporation is providing tax credit equity for the project, while PIMCO is supplying both construction and permanent financing. Berkadia arranged the financing package, helping coordinate the project’s financial structure.
Safehold is participating as the ground lessor, marking the company’s second affordable multifamily ground lease transaction in Texas.
The Housing Authority of Travis County has also contributed $2 million to support the creation of deeply affordable apartment homes reserved specifically for households earning no more than 30% of the Area Median Income.
This layered financing approach demonstrates how collaboration among multiple organizations can make large-scale affordable housing developments financially feasible while maintaining long-term affordability.
Supporting Families Across Income Levels
One of Catalina’s defining characteristics is its ability to serve households across multiple income brackets.
By offering homes for residents earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income, the development creates opportunities for essential workers, service employees, healthcare staff, educators, retail workers, and many other residents who contribute to the region’s economy but often face increasing housing costs.
This income diversity helps strengthen the community while ensuring housing remains accessible to individuals at varying stages of their careers and financial circumstances.
Long-Term Commitment to Affordable Housing
Patrick Howard, Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of Travis County, emphasized that expanding affordable housing requires sustained collaboration and innovative solutions.
He noted that Catalina builds upon the successful partnership established with The NRP Group and represents another important step toward increasing access to quality housing for Travis County residents.
The project reflects the broader commitment of both organizations to delivering communities that remain affordable while providing residents with safe, modern homes and meaningful opportunities for long-term success.
Strengthening the Future of Travis County
As construction moves forward, Catalina is expected to become an important addition to Travis County’s affordable housing inventory. By combining thoughtfully designed homes, convenient access to employment, comprehensive resident services, modern amenities, and collaborative public-private financing, the development demonstrates a comprehensive approach to addressing one of Central Texas’ most significant challenges.
For The NRP Group, the project further reinforces its ongoing investment in affordable housing across the United States. For Travis County, Catalina represents another meaningful step toward ensuring that continued economic growth is accompanied by expanded housing opportunities for the families and workers who help drive the region’s success.
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