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East Austin Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 JUNE 4JULY 1, 2026
Brought to you by our premium gold sponsor: 2026 Home Edition
Austin ISD prepares to repurpose, lease or sell 10 closing schools
budget challenges. While he hopes Ridgetop will serve as a community amenity, like a park or theatre, LeMaire said he is afraid of the school being redeveloped into a large apartment complex that his neighborhood’s infrastructure can’t handle. “Where does it end as far as the sacri ces that you have to make?” he said. “Does it even put a dent in the budget shortfall [to sell] these properties?”
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Austin resident Joshua LeMaire and his family have spent the last year advocating for Ridgetop Elementary to stay open. This summer, Austin ISD will close 10 campuses, including Ridgetop, to address a mounting budget shortfall. Now, LeMaire said he is sending his daughter to private school amid uncertainty around the district’s
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Ridgetop Elementary School is one of 10 campuses Austin ISD is closing to address a budget shortfall. CHLOE YOUNG COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Learn About Austin’s Water Quality
We’re Continuously Sampling and Testing Austin Water collects and tests samples at our treatment plants and across our water system multiple times a day, every day, for bacteria, and chemicals that could pose a risk to our customers. Our top priority is to ensure our water is safe and satisfying to drink. We have taken steps to protect drinking water safety and quality in key areas that include: Protecting vital infrastructure Enhancing treatment reliability Ensuring quality control in storage, pressure and pipes Increasing treated drinking water testing An expanded snapshot of our rigorous quality controls is posted on our website as well as in our annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Find the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report online at the link below , or call 512-972-0155 to receive a copy by email or mail. Austin Water’s annual consumer confidence report describes the overall quality of water from its raw collection and storage to the treated purity at your tap. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all drinking water suppliers provide a water quality report to their customers on an annual basis.
Austin Water Quality Report 2025 Austinwater.org/WaterQuality Para una versión en Español llame al 512-972-0155.
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About Community Impact
Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metros.
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Impacts
bar serves Small’s pizza in addition to a full wine list and other food options. • Opened May 12 • 1023 Springdale Road, Bldg. 1, Austin • www.smalls.pizza 5 Campo The eatery is now serving elevated Mexican cuisine including tacos, tostadas and ceviche, plus dishes like charred octopus and shrimp enchiladas and enfrijoladas. Mezcal- and tequila-forward cocktails are also on the menu. • Opened April • 1630 E. Sixth St., Ste. 100, Austin • Instagram: campoatx 6 Space Kat BBQ Founded by Jack Zizzo in 2017, the concept returned to Austin earlier this year. Texas-style barbecue served from the east side “space bus” includes beef, pork, lamb by the pound, ribs by the rack, sausage links and chicken thighs. Sandwiches, snacks, sides and desserts are also o ered. • Opened Feb. 28 • 2431 Webberville Road, Austin • www.spacekatbbq.com 7 Every Body Jams The local music school o ers a variety of programs including private lessons, band coaching, songwriting and more. • Opened May 23 • 1602 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.everybodyjams.com
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MAP NOT TO SCALE TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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• Opened April 15 • 1414 Shore District Drive, Ste. 120, Austin • 512-551-9142
Now open
1 Empowered Cafe The new co ee shop, founded by Nicholas Carlin, employs adults with Down Syndrome to foster independence and an inclusive space for all. • Opened May 10 • 1701 Simond Ave., Ste. 104, Austin • www.empoweredcafeatx.com 2 ThaiZen The modern Thai and Japanese kitchen in Riverside’s South Shore District serves a variety of plates like curries, noodle dishes, rice bowls, sushi and other entrees as well as appetizers, salads, soups and desserts. Teas, beer, wine and cocktails are also o ered.
3 Coquito The bar, eatery and cafe is now serving co ee drinks, snacks and a variety of alcoholic beverages. Coquito, or “little coconut,” also regularly hosts events, live music and DJs. • Opened March 6
Coming soon
8 1 Hotel Austin A new hotel is headed for Red River Street in the 74-story Waterline tower. The destination will have 252 guest rooms, 60 of them being luxury suites, restaurants, a spa and yoga studio, according to a news release. • Opening August
• 1407 E. Seventh St., Austin • Instagram: coquito.austin
• 96 Red River St., Austin • www.1hotels.com/austin
4 Small’s Wine Bar The new wine bar opened this month behind Small’s New Haven-style pizzeria at Springdale General. The
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BY BEN THOMPSON
Now open
Coming soon
Relocations
9 Sugarwolf Bakery Austin’s newest bakery held its grand opening in downtown on May 5, serving co ee, cocktails, pastries and lunch. Sugarwolf sells scratch-made baked goods, made daily. The new restaurant uses organic our and grass-fed butter, and makes products without seed oils. • Opened May 5 • 401 W. 4th St., Ste. 120, Austin • www.sugarwolfbakery.com
12 Bohème The new lodging space is expected to pay homage to Austin’s soul and heritage, as stated in a news release. With 20 unique rooms, guests will have the opportunity to have an individualized experience combined with the city’s culture and history.
14 Creative Action The educational art program for children will move its headquarters to Mueller, opening a new “community arts collaborative building,” according to a news release. Construction is slated to begin in May 2026, with Creative Action to occupy the space in fall 2027.
• Opening summer 2026 • 400 Comal St., Austin • www.stayatboheme.com
• Relocating fall 2027 • 4611 Tilley St., Austin • www.creativeaction.org
10 Alteño Johnny and Kasie Curiel of Fonda Fina Hospitality are slated to partner with 1 Hotel Austin to open a new Mexican restaurant this summer.
15 Paramount Theatre Paramount Theatre will temporarily close, beginning mid-June, for its rst major renovation in over half a century, according to a news release. The restoration is
• 612 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.esix.studio
In the news
expected to take 8-9 months. • 713 N. Congress Ave., Austin • www.austintheatre.org
• Opening summer 2026 • 96 Red River St., Austin • www.altenorestaurant.com
13 Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho Activity Center
The center is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The activity center o ers recreational activities for people of all abilities. • 35 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St., Austin • www.austintexas.gov/parks
11 estudiosix The art residency and cultural workspace opened its rst call for artists this spring. The peer-led studio is partnering with Old 6th, Stream Realty’s revitalization of East Sixth Street, on artist residencies and other programming in the district. • Opening fall 2026
PODER The social justice nonpro t , or PODER, celebrated 35 years of community organizing in May.
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Government
BY BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG
Austin begins new homeless encampment approach
Judge shares county initiative updates Travis County Judge Andy Brown shared updates on several major county initiatives at April’s State of the County Address. What happened A 2024 voter-approved tax rate increase for a ordable child care has now awarded more than $30 million, including $13 million for after-school care and summer programs and $4.1 million for small business child care assistance approved by county commission- ers in May. Looking ahead, Brown noted the largest addition to the county’s park system coming east of I-35, 1,300 acres on Wilbarger Creek. It’ll preserve the creek’s greenway from P ugerville to the county line, he said. Brown also said the county will create a new museum district centered around the historic Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse downtown. That initiative stems from a partnership between The University of Texas School of Architecture and county Commissioner Je Travillion.
The scope and frequency of public homeless encampment clearings is increasing. The big picture Public camping is illegal in Austin under both Proposition B, a local ban reinstated by city voters in 2021, and a Texas law passed the same year. City enforcement ramped up after Proposition B’s passage and has continued since then, includ- ing a three-week Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations initiative last October. But widespread encampments and high public demand to address them outstripped available resources, leading to this spring’s recalibration. Austin elds more than 700 monthly 3-1-1 requests related to encampments, and the city’s management program was only active three days per week. The update Starting May 11, several dedicated encampment management teams began working citywide ve days a week. Most involve Austin Police Depart- ment o cers and other city department sta , and one Austin Parks and Recreation-led team focuses on litter removal. The city released a preliminary list of dozens of encampments to close in April and will continue to update the public about the status of those sites, as well as new areas being addressed. What else? Additional options for residents to submit service requests and track the city’s response are in the works. One change coming later this year is the
Encampment closures The city will only clear away encampments after advance noti cation and the o er of support services. Site identi ed through service requests or reports Step 1
Step 2 Site assessed for health, safety and environmental impacts
Step 3 Site prioritized based on public risks and city response capacity
Step 4 Outreach to individuals at encampment
Step 5 72-hour notice of planned encampment clearing
Step 6 Encampment cleanup and site restoration
“These investments in our downtown, in our parks and
in our people are how we build real economic resilience.” ANDY BROWN, TRAVIS COUNTY JUDGE
addition of a dedicated 3-1-1 service option for public encampments. And as previously directed by City Council, Austin’s homeless strategy o ce will also be launching an encampment manage- ment dashboard with mapping and other data available to the public.
Austin sta suggest bond election delay to 2028 Soon after proposals for Austin’s next bond were released in May, city sta advised against a 2026 bond election in favor of a vote in two years. The overview Months of bond development led a resident-led task force and city sta to propose di erent
Austin 2026 bond recommendations A ordable housing Watershed protection, drainage Parks, open space Transportation Public facilities*
With hundreds of millions of dollars from past bonds still unspent, sta suggested in May that a 2028 bond would be more appropriate under city nancial policies. Those guidelines are meant to avoid issues like those caused by “frequent, poorly coordinated” past bonds, according to Eric Bailey, deputy director of the city’s capital delivery o ce overseeing public project construction. City Council is debating a bond approach and could call an election this summer.
Bond task force recommendation City sta recommendation Bond task force alternative
City sta alternative
versions of a possible 2026 bond, ranging from less than $400 million to more than $760 million to fund a ordable housing, parkland, transportation, public facilities and ood protection projects.
*FACILITIES RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE LAND ACQUISITION, ANIMAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH CENTERS, HOMELESS SHELTER, LIBRARIES, AND PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDINGS. SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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EAST AUSTIN EDITION
Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
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Where community fuels progress, and every visit brings you closer to your fitness goals.
A view of Austin and the South Central Waterfront. The city ranked as the 12th-largest U.S. city as of 2025.
Austin o cially surpassed 1 million residents last year. The overview The city’s estimated 2025 population was 1,002,632 people, re ecting the addition of more than 4,000 residents from 2024. That increase moved Austin into 12th place for most populous cities nationwide, which Mayor Kirk Watson noted as a historic moment. “There’s no denying now that Austin is a big city, and we have big challenges. But we also still have small town heart, and that’s part of what makes it the best place in the country to raise a family or to seek out new Austin passes 1M residents for rst time in city history
opportunities,” he said. Austin’s expansion came during what the U.S. Cen- sus Bureau called a “widespread national slowdown” in population growth and reported drop-o s in annual growth among large cities. The new gures show the city grew 0.4% from 2024 to 2025, and more than 4% since the 2020 census, when Austin’s population was estimated at around 962,000. Despite declining international migration, demographer Lila Valencia said Austin, Travis County and the wider metro area continue to maintain “steady growth” thanks to in-state and domestic migration. She noted that higher-than-expected job growth and decreased housing costs are likely contributing to the city’s draw. More than 16,000 new housing units were added across Travis County from 2024 to 2025, according to the Census Bureau. What else While Austin remains one of the largest cities nation- ally, it’s still ranked fth in Texas and isn’t growing as rapidly as some smaller cities.
Large Texas city populations, 2020 25 Austin is behind Fort Worth, which crossed the 1 million-mark in 2024. Dallas, San Antonio and Houston have several hundred thousand more residents.
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Education
BY ELLE BENT & CHLOE YOUNG
Modernized Harris Elementary opens Harris Elementary students moved into a fully modernized campus in January. The $56.28 million modernization was funded by the district’s 2022 bond. The overview Established in 1954, the original building no longer met the needs of its students. Since 2023, the campus has operated out of the former Sims Elementary.
Austin ISD shares update on budget process Austin ISD o cials shared some preliminary reductions that may be made to the scal year 2026-27 budget May 5. The proposed reductions come as the district faces a budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for FY 2026-27. The breakdown As of May 5, AISD o cials have identi ed $73.8 million in reductions to central and depart- ment budgets. This will include eliminating vacancies. Sta anticipates $45 million in revenue from real estate monetization. Additionally, district o cials have identi ed $33.9 million in proposed reductions to campus budgets. This includes new student-to-teacher ratios and increased class sizes at some campuses, updated special education and bilingual stipend criteria, and changes to technology, including software transitions.
“This has been incredibly di cult work, and we know that there
are real impacts to all of these reductions. Ultimately, we must have a balanced budget.” AISD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER KATRINA MONTGOMERY
Going forward The timeline for the nal budget decision is as follows: • May 21: The recommended FY 2026-27 budget is presented to the board of trustees. • June 18: The board of trustees votes on the nal budget before the deadline of June 30. • July 1: The new budget takes e ect. • July 25: Travis County Appraisal District nal certi ed values are received.
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Transportation
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Ongoing projects
Ongoing projects
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1 Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative
2 Burnet Road Corridor Project: Construction work is underway on Burnet Road from Koenig Lane to MoPac, including the realignment of Burnet Lane at Burnet Road, traffic signal upgrades, shared-use paths, crosswalk signals and drainage improvements. Update: City officials broke ground on the corridor in early March. • Timeline: March-late 2028 to early 2029 • Cost: $59.5 million • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond
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Project: Redesign Congress Avenue to expand sidewalks, add pedestrian amenity zones, upgrade bikeway barriers and add turn lanes for vehicle traffic. Update: Construction began Jan. 30. • Timeline: Phase 1: 2026–summer 2027; Full project: 2026–2030 • Cost: $29 million (full project) • Funding source: 2020 Mobility Bond
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Development
BY BROOKE SJOBERG & BEN THOMPSON
Austin to annex, support 2.6K-acre development The city will annex more than 2,600 acres of land along the Colorado River known as the Dog’s Head for a large-scale redevelopment over the coming decades. The big picture The Dog’s Head covers several square miles by the river just north of the airport. An entity tied to Endeavor Real Estate Group owns tens of millions of dollars of property in what’s now an underused industrial zone, and a long-term development agreement with Austin could transform the area. The public partnership would support a “revi- talized mixed-use district,” according to the city. Austin will annex the Dog’s Head and create a tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, to capture some of its expected property tax growth over time and fund local improvements there. Public bene ts such as a ordable housing, open
Retail, o ce project breaks ground Spark Root Development broke ground on a seven-building, 152,000-square-foot development April 23. What you need to know The Collective East near Colony Park is among the largest-ever commercial projects east of US 183, according to broker ECR. It’ll house over 100 ex commercial suites for retail, workshop, o ce and warehouse uses.
Dog's Head development
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space and a 6-mile nature trail will be included around the Dog’s Head. A speci c development plan for the area covering around 4 square miles has yet to be detailed, but an advanced manufac- turing project is expected as an initial tenant.
A rendering of the mixed-use project shows what The Collective East could look like.
RENDERING COURTESY ECR
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Events
BY KATLYNN FOX
June
Frutos de la Muerte A play centered around a Guatemalan woman, her aunt, and their journey to understand the political climate through science and indigenous practices. The play was written and devised by Glass Half Full Theatre and is best suited for viewers ages 14 and older. • June 4-13
• Starting at $25 (sliding scale price) • 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 122, Austin • www.glasshalffulltheatre.com
HAAM’s 2026 Corporate Battle of the Bands The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians invites employees from corporate workspaces to form bands and compete to win. • June 10; 6:30 p.m. (doors open), 7 p.m. (show starts) • $25 (suggested donation for general admission tickets) • 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin • www.myhaam.org/cbob Austin Soccer Celebration Austin FC will take over Auditorium Shores, transforming it into a soccer destination featuring food, beverage, family-friendly activities and viewing opportunities for the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening matches. • June 11-12 • Free (admission) • 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.austinfc.com Artist talk Observers of Beautiful Forms by Leah Shirley will be on display from May 25-August 22 with an artist talk in mid-June. The exhibit will showcase mixed-media art in response to the AIDS Memorial Quilt Exhibition at First Austin in 2025.
Blues on the Green The annual two-day festival at Zilker Park will feature music from headliners Alejandro Escovedo and Brownout. Other acts include Aaron Behrens and Mama Duke. • June 9-10, 7 p.m. (music starts) • Free (admission) • 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.waterloomedia.com
Bloom Block Party Black Girl Austin and Vision Decor will host a block party with live music performances, a full bar and 20 vendors. • June 13, 7 p.m.-midnight • Free (admission) • 1300 E. 4th St., Austin • Eventbrite: Spring Block Party by BGA X Vision Decor
• July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. • Free (admission)
a Juneteenth parade and celebration. The annual park celebration will include food, retail and information vendors, kids activities and live music. • June 19; 10 a.m.-noon (historical parade), noon-9:45 p.m. (park celebration and fireworks) • Free (admission) • 2300 Rosewood Ave., Austin • www.juneteenthcentraltexas.com
• 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.starspangledfest.com
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic Live music lovers can celebrate America’s independence day with live performances from Willie Nelson and Family, Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow, Margo Price and more. • July 4; 2:30 p.m. (doors open), 3:30 p.m. (show starts) • Starting at $35 (general admission lawn) • 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle • http://germaniaamp.com
July
• June 13, 3-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • 901 Trinity St., Austin • www.trinitystreetplayers.com
Austin Symphony Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Locals can visit Auditorium Shores for food trucks, activities, market vendors, live entertainment and fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Central Texas Juneteenth Community members can gather at Rosewood Park for
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Business
BY KATLYNN FOX
Hannah Gustafson started the Tiny Farmer’s Market in her East Austin neighborhood last April selling homemade jams in her front yard. She had just been laid o from her job and was looking for a way to meet her neighbors and create the commu- nity she had been craving. “In those rst three hours of the Tiny Farmers Market, it was like I had met more of my neigh- bors than I had in the three years of living in that house,” Gustafson said. “So, it just completely sparked something inside of me and I was just like ‘I think I could do this every month, like I could be consistent.’” Within a year, what started with a sole vendor, turned into a lineup of 30 + artisans and an in ux of support for the monthly Tiny Farmer’s Market. What they o er Each market has unique o erings with a vendor waitlist of about 300 applicants. Attendees can always nd something new, including matcha and co ee, ceramic goods, art, hand-sewn items, jewelry, co ee syrups and stained glass decor. Gustafson’s favorite products at the market include miniature clay magnets, sh-inspired keychains and beaded broaches. Who it’s for As a market for the people, there are several intentional details that make it accessible to all. For starters, Gustafson crafted the o erings to include free drinks and live music, so that no one in attendance felt like they had to pay to participate in the community. “It’s really turned into more of this goal of having a third space where people can come and they don’t have to spend money, but if they would like to, then they can support a local hobbyist,” Gustafson said. Nearly each vendor is at the beginning of their career as an artisan, therefore, the market serves as a place to experiment and fail without pressure. One more thing As additional pillars to Gustafson’s brand, The Tiny Project, she also has a mail club called The Tiny Post where about 5,200 subscribers from all over the world get a monthly envelope lled with art, writing, stickers, a recipe and more. As the nal branch, Gustafson has the Studio Series to uplift hobbyists and help them make money from their craft. The series allows artisans and crafters to teach a class at the studio, bringing the community together in a new way. The Tiny Farmer’s Market spurs large turnouts
Hannah Gustafson, founder of The Tiny Project, oversees the Tiny Farmer’s Market, The Tiny Post, and the Studio Series.
PHOTOS COURTESY THE TINY FARMER’S MARKET
Market attendees can shop food, drinks, owers, jewelry, clothes, trinkets, art and more.
The farmer’s market also o ers free items at its markets, including a newly-debuted beer dubbed “Tiny Beer.”
Stay tuned Up next for the Tiny Farmer’s Market is its rst pop-up after dark, taking place on June 7 at P6 in downtown Austin. The market will feature 30 ven- dors and three live bands; attendees are encouraged to make a $10 donation in exchange for a drink ticket with all proceeds going to the Andy Roddick Foundation.
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2009 Chicon St., Austin Instagram: The Tiny Farmer’s Market
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EAST AUSTIN EDITION
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16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate Home Edition
BY BEN THOMPSON
2026
Readers, welcome to your annual Home Edition! There’s something personal about this Home Edition because the stories inside truly hit close to home. This month, we’re taking a closer look at the closure and repurposing of 10 Austin ISD schools. These campuses hold years of memories for many families, and changes like this ripple through entire neighborhoods. We’re also sharing insight into our local HOAs and the role they play in shaping the communities we call home. At the heart of it all is what makes Austin special; neighbors who care, stay informed, and show up for one another. Thank you for welcoming us into your home each month. And a special thank you to the local businesses who advertise with us. You make it possible for us to deliver free, local news to our community. Now grab a cup of co ee and enjoy this month’s Home Edition.
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East Austin leads new housing gains
The bottom line
The city plan refers to a ordable housing based on the local median family income, or MFI, which has risen sharply. The Austin-area MFI increased from $86,000 for a four-person household in 2018 to $134,400 today—more than 56%. The blueprint for new construction across the housing spectrum, including 60,000 income-restricted units and 75,000 market-rate units for median- and higher-income residents. Within those groups, the city already moved past the 15,000-unit goal for the 61%-80% MFI bracket. However, almost no progress toward blueprint targets has been made for the extremely low-income level up to 30% MFI that includes housing for tenants exiting homelessness.
reporting covering 2018-24 was released in May. It showed the continuation of a trend of income-restricted housing being based around the eastern portions of the city, with less progress to the west. Some City Council districts in East Austin were already at decade-long goals as of 2024, while West Austin remains well o target.
More than 32,000 a ordable housing units were built in Austin from 2018-24—progress toward goals established in 2017. However, much of the city remains behind and additions at lower income levels remain lacking. The city monitors how a ordable housing is being dispersed across Austin under the city’s 10-year Strategic Housing Blueprint, and new
District progress A ordable housing additions remain relatively scarce in West Austin, while development in East Austin is well ahead of city goals.
10-year goal
Produced
Under construction
10K 8K
4K 6K 2K 0
1
2
3
4 5
6 7
8 9 10
City Council district
NOTE: TO VIEW YOUR COUNCIL DISTRICT, VISIT: HTTPS: BIT.LY ATXCOUNCILDISTRICTS
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
17
EAST AUSTIN EDITION
Future of 10 closing schools under review by Austin ISD From the cover
The overview
291 Temporarily used for staging equipment and furniture during consolidation and moves 9 Winn Montessori Swing site for Andrews Elementary while undergoing modernization TBD 10 Blackshear Elementary 71 AISD properties by purpose Surplus 1 Becker Elementary Appraised value: $16.09M 2 Dawson Elementary Appraised value: $62.65M 3 Ridgetop Elementary Appraised value: $11.57M 4 Sunset Valley Elementary Appraised value: $16.19M 5 Widén Elementary Appraised value: $11.08M Land banked 6 Barrington Elementary Swing site for Wooldridge Elementary while undergoing modernization 7 Bedichek Middle School District training, Special Education Department, community partners and expanded 18-plus program 8 Martin Middle School
As the 2025-26 school year ends, AISD o cials have begun assessing how to repurpose eight elementary schools and two middle schools that will close this summer. The district has proposed designating six properties as surplus, including additional land at Bedichek Middle School, which could be leased or sold to another entity. Meanwhile, the district plans to keep, or land bank, four of these campuses for other educational purposes. This spring, the district held community meetings to receive feedback on the six surplus properties. AISD sta have been collecting data to assess campuses while seeking to monetize properties to alleviate the district’s $181 million budget shortfall for scal year 2026-27, said Jaime Miller, AISD executive director of operations. The district could maintain ownership of some properties while leasing them to other groups for purposes such as “a community bene t space or a nonpro t hub” or sell them to another owner for a one-time cash payment, Miller said. “There’s a lot of interest in keeping these as community-based spaces, but if we can’t make them nancially feasible for the district, those won’t be options,” she said. AISD has already been working to repurpose several former campuses, including selling the former Rosedale School site, which closed in 2022, to multifamily housing developer OHT Partners for $26 million. The development of a 435-unit, six-story apartment complex has been delayed by a lawsuit led by AISD against dozens of homeowners over whether the project violates a 1938 deed restriction. Amid the pushback, Austin City Council passed resolutions to increase the city’s involvement in discussions around repurposing public land.
6
183
Austin
MOPAC
290
9
3
35
10
183 TOLL
8
1
2
4
71
MOPAC
7
5
183
45 TOLL
N
SOURCES: AUSTIN ISD, TRAVIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT
The background
Formerly closed AISD properties
AISD has repurposed four campuses that closed in 2020 alongside the former Rosedale School and Anita Ferrales Coy Facility, which formerly housed the Alternative Learning Center. In February, the district broke ground on a mixed-use housing development at Anita Coy featuring some income-restricted units for teachers and other community members. Chris Allen, a Rosedale resident organizing the Play Fair with Rosedale group, said his neighbor- hood is asking AISD to build a ordable multifamily housing that is 100% income restricted.
Pease Elementary
Anita Ferrales Coy Facility
• Year closed: 2020 • Proposed use: early childhood education center through United Way For Greater Austin • Timeline: TBD
• Year closed: 2025 • Proposed use: nearly 700 apartment homes and nonpro it space • Timeline: Feb. 2026-late 2027 (Phase 1)
Metz Elementary
Rosedale School
• Year closed: 2022 • Proposed use: 435-unit, six-story apartment complex • Timeline: TBD
• Year closed: 2020 • Current use: home to AISD departments, including health services and nursing, library media services, construction management
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Going forward
The approach
“While no one wants to be in the position that we’re in as a district, I think it opens the door for us to think creatively about what we want our communities to look like and how they can best serve the residents within them.” JAMES VALADEZ, AISD DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE generate revenue for the district, Valadez said. The district has aimed to improve trust with community members by showing sta members’ repurposing work and providing more accessible opportunities for input, including virtual and in-person meetings in English and Spanish along- side an online survey, Miller said. “We’re trying to… incorporate more feedback from the community as well as just thinking about all the options instead of going straight to selling,” Miller said.
AISD created a new repurposing process that may be used to assess any district facility going forward, following the hiring of new Director of Real Estate James Valadez in January, Miller said. If AISD expects to need the property for educa- tional or district use in the next 20 years, the district will retain the property. If not, AISD may consider extending a short-term lease with or without improvements made by the tenant, a long-term ground lease or a one-time property sale. For the surplus properties, community members have requested repurposing the schools for medical uses, early childhood centers and other uses that address “the pain points that come along with daily life in Austin,” Valadez said. In recent months, district sta have been collect- ing reports and wrapping up scoring the six surplus properties to rank potential reuse options, Miller said. AISD is considering the facilities’ condition and maintenance needs, as well as the repurposing option’s impact on the community and its ability to
The district is expected to complete a second round of community feedback meetings in May and June before presenting repurposing recommendations to the board of trustees this summer or fall, Miller said. The board must vote to declare a campus as surplus and lease or sell it to another organization. Allen said he and other Rosedale residents have begun working with residents a ected by the upcoming school closures who fear their communities could be impacted by similar multifamily housing developments. “What’s happening [at Rosedale] is only probably months away for some of those other neighborhoods,” Allen said.
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19
EAST AUSTIN EDITION
Real estate
East Austin homes spent more days on the market in April 2026 compared to April 2025, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data
Homes sold
Average days on the market
-10.26%
-25.00%
+68.97%
+58.33%
+142.86%
+3.92%
April 2025
April 2026
290
78702
78722
78723
78702
78722
78723
35
78723
Median home sales price
78722
April
2025
2026
183
78702
$575,000
$754,700
78702
$565,000
$574,500
N
78722
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
$596,000
$604,500
78723
OUR ET
OUR ET
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EAST AUSTIN EDITION
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