Juniper-Olive Historic District

The Juniper-Olive Historic District is an 18-unit, affordable housing development on two city blocks in Central East Austin.

The project was intended to restore ten historic homes and add eight new construction houses on scattered lots that are designed to blend well with the neighborhood. Located just one mile from Downtown Austin with views of the State Capitol, Juniper and Olive streets are situated in the heart of a historic neighborhood that housed one of Austin’s first African American communities, as well as numerous immigrants from all over the world. For the better part of the 20th century the area was home to thriving businesses. Many of which were owned by African Americans.

Also present in the community are several important cultural institutions such as the French Legation, the Texas State Cemetery and Huston-Tillotson University. Like many inner-city neighborhoods, the area fell victim to decades of disinvestment as people and businesses moved away from the city center in the 1970’s and 80’s.

The housing project included improving drainage, updating 70-year-old infrastructure, improving, and adding accessible sidewalks, and increasing marketability by adding an alley that provides off-street parking and handicap-accessible entries in some units. Asbestos and lead-based paint have been removed from the historic buildings and the entire area has been re-subdivided to eliminate property line encroachments and setback issues. All the historic homes were brought up to current building code and improved by the addition of modern bathrooms, HVAC, kitchens, and laundry facilities, while remaining respectful of the historic scale and character of the houses. All homes were made available to families at or below 80% of the area median income. The Juniper-Olive Historical District is a key project that has added to the overall revitalization and stability of the area, while maintaining a core of affordability.