AUSTIN, Texas — After years of work and unplanned repairs, a city-owned property that's expected to become permanent supportive housing for seniors exiting homelessness, is almost ready to open.
The city bought what's now known as Pecan Gardens in northwest Austin in 2021. But the property sat vacant and vandals broke in. So last year, the city had to spend more money on more renovations.
Now, officials say they're in the final phase of converting the property.
What was once a Candlewood Suites hotel is being transformed into Pecan Gardens.
"This is a facility that is being converted into housing for individuals who are exiting homelessness. These individuals will each have the wraparound services to ensure that they are successful in their exit from homelessness and reentering society," said Jamey May with Austin's Housing Department.
May said this location could help a lot of people, noting that it is in close proximity to a mall and other services that may be beneficial to residents. It will house those 55 and over in collaboration with the nonprofit Family Eldercare.
"One individual might need chemical dependency assistance, whereas one individual might just need financial tutoring," May said.
PHOTOS: Inside Pecan Gardens in northwest Austin
The property has faced challenges to get to this point. The building at Pecan Gardens has gotten a fresh coat of paint, and it's nearly ready to be opened.
But there are some concerns from neighbors like Rupal Chaudhari. She said her businesses nearly share a driveway with this project and the colors they've chosen almost blend exactly with her signage. She said those are just some of the many issues she's had with this property.
"We have not received the communication that they are opening soon, but some of our neighbors have. So it seems like just because we've been more vocal about it, [the] city has been icing us out a little bit," Chaudhari said.
Chaudhari said she worries what this will mean for her guests, and she feels the city could have bought a similar property elsewhere.
"I met with ECHO [the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition] recently last year, and ECHO mentioned there were at least 1,200 families that were car camping with kids. How many of those we could have helped in spite of, instead of, throwing money behind this property?" Chaudhari said.
City officials told KVUE they have and will continue to prioritize both neighbors and those receiving support at Pecan Gardens.
The city has faced several lawsuits over how it bought and developed the property. Williamson County sued in 2022, but that lawsuit was dismissed last fall. In a separate suit from neighbors, a state appeals court sided with the city back in March.