The City of Austin Housing Department recently marked the grand opening of Pecan Gardens (formerly the Candlewood Suites Hotel), a new permanent supportive housing community for homeless seniors aged 55 and over. Located in District 6 at 10813 Pecan Park Boulevard, renovations began in May 2023 to transform the hotel into 78 furnished studio apartments. Residents have are being given access to case management, health assessments, living skills coordination, and community-building activities, as well as assistance with basic needs like food through an onsite food pantry. Tenants will not pay more than 30% of their income on rent, and all utilities are covered. Residents are also welcome to have pets.
“The opening of Pecan Gardens creates a meaningful opportunity to provide stable and safe housing for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director of the Housing Department. “We are proud to collaborate on developments that provide a foundation for our residents to rebuild their lives, especially in an amenity-rich area.”
Tenants will receive a yearly lease.
“At Family Eldercare, we are committed to a ‘housing first’ approach and believe that housing is a fundamental right,” said Dr. Aaron Alarcon, CEO of Family Eldercare. “As housing challenges increasingly impact the aging population in Central Texas, our staff and Board are committed to developing and partnering on the most effective, innovative solutions available. Pecan Gardens, driven by our focus on Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), represents the next generation of housing innovation for our organization and the communities we serve.”
In 2021, the Austin City Council approved the purchase of the property for $9.5 million, despite valuations by Williamson County putting its worth below $3 million. The city has since spent millions more in renovations.
