Site Analysis for Affordable Housing in Austin, TX

Alek Zayas-Dorchak

GoalTo use GIS to find a suitable location or

locations for affordable rental units in the central city.

These units will primarily be for people who work downtown, but cannot afford to live there.

Capital StudiosFirst low-rent

downtown project in 45 years

$400-$650 per monthBuilt on former

commercial-zoned parking lot near State Capitol Building

135 units, some reserved for homeless and musicians

Why This Project MattersAustin is lacking in

housing units for residents who make $15/hour, or less than $30,000/year.

Bringing people back to the urban core, who are most likely to use public transit

There should be more balance

AustinMetro Pop: 1.9 million+4,500 people/month% of renters earning

less than $30,000: 27%

From 2000 to 2010, median income increased only slightly, but rental prices increased 49%.

How Will My Analysis Help?Providing more housing, especially for the

working class and transitional homeless.Adding multifamily housing units will serve

as urban infill, which increases walkability. Could lead to the density needed for light

rail, etc.Greater diversity of income in the

neighborhood.Average family spends 19% of their income

on private transportation. Situating people closer to the bus lines will help them save money.

Neighborhoods

Criteria for Suitability

Amenity Acceptable Distance

Food StoreBus/MetroRail StopPublic SchoolPost OfficeParkHealth CenterLibrary

1/8 mile¼ mile¼ mile¼ mile ¼ mile½ mile½ mile

Zoned for Multifamily HousingDevelopable Land

Final Sites

Most Suitable Sites

Potential student housing

Might be future planetarium………

Good sites for affordable units

Other Possible Sites4th & Trinity Street View

This site is a short walk from the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) and Caritas. Centrally located, not too far from Capital Studios. Could be a good location for a mix of low- and very low-income residents.

Other Possible SitesEast 2nd Street View

Located close to Downtown, along a street that leads directly into the core. Roughly 25,000 sq. ft.

AnalysisBuild up to 3 downtown complexes, for a mix

of students, low-income and very low-incomePut retail space on first floor of complexes Several larger units on the Eastside Make sidewalks more pedestrian friendlyUse larger, remaining areas for construction

of parking garages, to offset the loss of spaces

Plan is unlikely to be accepted, but could be a step in the right direction

ConclusionAs an assignment…not as successful as I

would have likedTechnical issuesAs an analysis…very informative

Linksftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/GIS-Data/Regional/coa

_gis.htmlhttp://www.austintexas.gov/page/demographi

c-datahttp://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/SDL/sdldownload.h

tml