The Grant: Affordable Housing in the Urban Core

Our second major milestone came with The Grant, a 700-unit, two-phase mixed-use development located in the East Riverside corridor. This project, developed in partnership with River City Capital, exemplifies what’s possible when urban infill, affordability, and design excellence converge.

Prior to LSI’s involvement, the site had struggled to find a viable path forward. Earlier concepts couldn’t deliver the density or economics required to make the project feasible. Through a rigorous feasibility study and yield analysis, LSI was able to increase the total unit count by more than 100 units, unlocking the financial model and qualifying for a substantial affordable housing density bonus under the East Riverside Corridor Overlay.

As the prime consultant, LSI led the effort across planning, permitting, architecture, and landscape design. We preserved over an acre of parkland, created four private amenity courtyards, and dedicated 5,000 square feet of public open space. All of this was achieved while driving construction costs down to under $200 per square foot—well below the $215 target—without sacrificing design quality or amenity value. The result is a high-density, community-forward, and cost-efficient project that sets a new standard for affordable housing in Austin’s urban core.