NRP Group Breaks Ground on Catalina 336 Unit Affordable Community Near Austin

The NRP Group announced the financial closing and groundbreaking of Catalina, a 336-unit affordable housing community in Travis County near Austin, Texas. Developed in partnership with the Housing Authority of Travis County, Catalina will provide deeply affordable homes for families and working professionals earning between 30 percent and 70 percent of the Area Median Income. The project marks The NRP Group’s fourth collaboration with HATC.

Max Whipple, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group, commented on the partnership and momentum behind the project. "These public-partnerships continue to reflect what can be accomplished when organizations share a commitment to housing affordability while maintaining a strong focus on quality, design and the resident experience.

Located on a 15-acre site along Cameron Road, Catalina will comprise 12 three-story residential buildings with one- to four-bedroom homes. In-unit finishes include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, modern cabinetry, vinyl plank flooring and walk-in closets in all units, complemented by Energy Star appliances.

The site is sited less than 10 minutes from Interstate 35 and about 15 minutes from State Highway 130, providing access to employment centers including Samsung’s semiconductor operations, Tech Ridge and the EastVillage mixed-use development. The community will offer a complimentary shuttle service to grocery stores, pharmacies and nearby destinations for residents without vehicles or with mobility needs.

Amenities and supportive services are integrated into the development plan. Catalina will include a resort-style swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, business center, a multipurpose community room with a full kitchen, a children’s activity room and playground, and extensive green space. Resident services at no additional cost will include after-school care, financial literacy courses, ESL classes and first-time homebuyer programs.

Catalina’s financing and delivery rely on a layered public-private structure. Tax credit equity is provided by Huntington Community Development Corporation. Construction and permanent financing is provided by PIMCO and arranged by Berkadia. Safehold is participating as the ground lessor, marking its second ground lease structure for affordable multifamily development in Texas. The Housing Authority of Travis County contributed $2 million to support homes reserved for households earning no more than 30 percent AMI.

Construction is underway. Initial occupancy is scheduled to begin in September 2027, with full completion targeted for April 2028. Catalina illustrates the role of collaborative financing, site selection near employment nodes and embedded supportive services in scaling deeply affordable multifamily housing in high-demand markets.