HACA Redevelopment

Phase prepared the HUD environmental compliance documentation to support the Housing Authority of the City of Austin’s (HACA) major reconstruction and substantial rehabilitation of two of the oldest public housing projects in the country. Rosewood Courts was constructed in 1939 as the first public housing property designated for African American families under the US Housing Authority. It was constructed on land owned by former slaves which included one of the city’s original parks used for Emancipation celebrations. Due to the historical significance of the property, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in October 2016. Chalmers Court was also completed in 1939 and served as public housing for whites only. The buildings had undergone significant renovations and lost historical significance; therefore, they were not deemed eligible for listing in the NRHP. 

The redevelopment plans for both projects included the preservation of a few select original residential buildings, demolition of the remaining structures, and reconstruction of new residential buildings with modern amenities and additional units. Phase prepared the environmental supporting documents and consultations required to obtain environmental clearance under the HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program and FHA mortgage insurance through Section 221(d)4.