June 18, 2025; AUSTIN, TX – Elected officials, community partners, stakeholders and neighbors gathered in the Montopolis neighborhood to officially mark the beginning of a truly transformative housing development for Austin.
Iris Gardens will deliver 150 units for people aged 55+, as well as access to supportive services that promote dignity, independence, and safety. It is also Austin’s first LGBTQIA2+ -affirming affordable housing community for older adults, developed through a partnership between Austin-based non-profit Family Eldercare and national permanent supportive housing developer Vecino Group.
“This is a dream come true, to bring this type of housing to the community,” said Dr. Aaron Alarcon, Family Eldercare CEO. “Our organization—for 42 years—has served the underserved, provided care for those in-need, and has constantly changed and adapted along with our Austin community. Our vision is a world where all vulnerable people in the world thrive, and Iris Gardens is a step toward this world becoming reality for so many.”
“This is a very proud day for our team,” said Valentin DeLeon, Vecino Group Director of Development. “Iris Gardens is poised to deliver so much more than just its housing offering—through our work with Family Eldercare and Rainbow Connections we will help people find their sense of place through the strength of the community.”
Located at 1013 Montopolis Drive in Austin, Iris Gardens will deliver 150 brand new, affordable homes—in a mix of 1-Bed and 2-Bed units—that all will serve households at or below 30, 50 and 60% Area Median Income. The 4-story building will have a ground-level fitness area and a large, multipurpose community room, a second-level lounge conference room, and shared laundry on the second- and third-level.
Onsite supportive services will include service coordination and permanent supportive housing for residents exiting homelessness. For residents that identify as part of the LGBTQIA2+ community, Rainbow Connections—a program of Family Eldercare—will provide programming focused on promoting the well-being and quality of life of this community.
Construction is set to be completed in 24-months.
The $51 Million development was made possible through support and funding from Austin Housing Finance Corporation, Travis County, CITI Bank, and Redstone Equity. Iris Gardens is set for completion by late Spring 2027.
