Robert Shaw “Echo” Village

Austin, Texas

This project provided affordable housing for the elderly, allowing them to remain in their inner city neighborhood, which was experiencing a rapid decline in affordable housing due to gentrification pressures and expansion of the University of Texas.

In addition to the five small cottages for the elderly and the slightly larger cottage for the resident manager, the project also includes front porches for all the cottages, a common village “green,” and a shared vegetable garden.  In addition to its benefits in providing dignified affordable housing, the project succeeds as a careful balancing of public and private space, allowing adequate privacy for the residents while celebrating their shared public realm.