AUSTIN – City officials have purchased the Salvation Army homeless shelter, adjacent parking lot, and retail space on Red River St. for $15 million.
The price tag will be split between Austin’s Housing Trust Fund, the city’s federal Community Development Block Grant program funds, and projected lease savings from a separate civic purchase.
Urban Alchemy, the nonprofit that has been managing the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless next door since last year, has agreed to take over the city’s shelter.
Moving forward, the shelter will continue to serve primarily homeless women and transgender clients.
Urban Alchemy aims to provide 120 beds at the shelter by the end of the year and add a park.
The property acquisition opens the door for a five-year, $3 million renovation and upgrade plan that will address a maintenance backlog while tackling planned HVAC, roofing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, painting, parking, elevator, security, and kitchen and bathroom improvements.