In a groundbreaking move for sustainable urban living, East Austin is set to welcome a new affordable housing development that prioritizes carless living and renewable energy. The Ivory, the latest phase of The Chicon development, promises to revolutionize how Austinites think about affordable housing and transportation.
Unlike traditional developments, The Ivory will be a completely carless community, where each resident receives a free e-bike. This innovative approach not only aligns with Austin’s Climate Protection Plan but also significantly reduces the cost of living by eliminating car ownership expenses. “It’s a huge savings in not having to own a car and the electricity,” said Sean Garretson, board president of the Chestnut Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation (CNRC).
The development, originally planned to include 22 units, has expanded to 53 residential condos and three commercial spaces, thanks to the support of Austin City Councilmember Natasha Harper-Madison and the Affordability Unlocked Development Bonus Program. This program allowed the developers to increase the building height from three to five stories and double the number of units, making it possible to offer more affordable housing options.
The Ivory will feature all-electric units powered primarily by solar energy. “We’ve modeled the solar to be about 95% of all the electric demand, and so everybody’s going to get a rebate back on their electric bill every month for all their electric usage,” Garretson explained. This commitment to renewable energy ensures that residents benefit from lower utility costs while contributing to a greener environment.
The smallest units at The Ivory will be priced around $220,000, significantly below the market price of $450,000. Forty of the units will be available to households earning at or below 70% of the Median Family Income (MFI), while the remaining 13 units will be sold at market rate. This pricing strategy underscores the development’s focus on affordability. “A lot of folks think about affordable housing as the price of a home or the price of your rent, but we added to that, and we also look at the cost of transportation,” Garretson said.
To further support carless living, a new CapMetro station will be constructed right in front of The Ivory, providing residents with convenient public transportation options. Additionally, the development will offer two e-vehicles for shared use among residents, who will receive three free rides per month, with additional rides costing $6 each.
The Ivory is named in honor of Scottie Ivory, a longtime advocate for the East Austin community. The dedication of the development in her name highlights her significant contributions to the area. “It was important to us and really blessed us by allowing us to have her namesake for the building,” Garretson shared. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson added, “She has impacted their lives and the lives of their children, the lives of their grandchildren, and that is an effect that she will have for generations.”
Construction of The Ivory is expected to be completed by next June, with residents beginning to move in during July and August. The CNRC, the nonprofit organization behind this project, continues to champion affordable housing solutions in East Austin, with The Ivory being a shining example of their innovative approach.
Currently, there are still 10 workforce units and four market-rate units available. For more information about The Ivory and to apply for a unit, visit their official website.
The Ivory represents a significant step forward in addressing Austin’s affordable housing needs while promoting sustainable living. This development is poised to become a model for future projects, demonstrating that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.
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