Norman Commons Apartments
5712 Jackie Robinson St. Austin, TX | 156 Units: Serving households earning 30% to 60% AMI (area median income).
16 units for individuals with mobility disabilities. Another five are for residents with vision or hearing disabilities. 16 units preference to families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Marla Nerio moved into Norman Commons with her 9-year-old son, Matthew. They had been living in subsidized housing through another nonprofit, but their time in that program was ending. She began searching for affordable options on her income from her primary job at a hotel front desk and a side job cleaning hotel rooms—income below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). “Not all the places that are cheaper are safe,” said Marla. “As a single mom, I have to be very responsible with my son to provide him a nice place.”
Marla loves how quiet the neighborhood around Norman Commons is and says it’s close to her job and schools. Their two-bedroom apartment—and everything in it—is new, and they’re enjoying very low utility bills, free WiFi, and access to the Healthy Food Pantry. Her favorite part is having her own bedroom. Marla plans to look into enrolling Matthew in the onsite Learning Center this summer. She wants to share this message with other single parents struggling with housing: “First, organize your finances because that’s the best way you can feel that you have a secure place to live,” said Marla. “If I can do it, they can do it. Just have faith, because I know there are programs that can help people.”
Norman Commons is the result of a multi‑year vision involving multiple partners and funding sources. It began when the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) purchased surplus land from the Austin Independent School District in 2018 and solicited a developer partner for the site in 2021. Two local nonprofits were selected: Foundation Communities was chosen to develop a services‑rich, family‑oriented 4% affordable rental community, while a separate nonprofit will build 32 affordable ownership homes on the adjacent portion. AHFC serves as ground lessor, general partner, and lender for Norman Commons.
Construction began in January 2024, and the first residents moved in November 2025. Norman Commons benefits from its proximity to the rebuilt Norman Sims Elementary School, with a safe walking path to the school and a learning center serving residents and the wider community. The development also honors the local heritage of the East Austin Trail Riders with two large murals by local artist Toni Ardizzone and horse prints throughout the community.
Special Design Features
This property highlights multiple elements of intentional design:
Family-Friendly Design: Emphasizes multi-bedroom units, including Foundation Communities’ first new four-bedroom units, and family-friendly amenities such as the Learning Center, the free Healthy Food Pantry, playgrounds, a large courtyard with a picnic area, a sports court, free WiFi, and connection to the adjacent Norman Sims Elementary School.
Local Art Celebrating Local Heritage: Two giant murals by Austin artist Toni Ardizzone, depicting members of the East Austin Trail Riders, adorn two onsite buildings in beautiful colors of blue, yellow, purple and red. The murals are part of Foundation Communities’ tradition to use artwork to beautify communities and connect them with the culture of their neighborhood.
Support Services
Learning center for after school and summer programs
Healthy food pantry
Free case management services through Foundation Communities Community Support Services (CSS) program
Educational, financial and health-oriented classes
for adults
Credits
Developer: Foundation Communities
Architect: FGM Architects
Other: AHFC, Wells Fargo, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Capital Magnet Funds, Foundation Communities, Austin Housing Finance Corporation
Financing
$8.86 million via the Austin Housing Finance Corporation’s (AHFC) Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) program – consisting of $436,331 from the 2022 General Obligation Bonds and more than $8.4 million in Project Connect funds. A $31.5 million tax-exempt bond issued by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation A $4.4 million construction loan and $14.8 million permanent loan from Wells Fargo $25.5 million in 4% housing tax credit equity $1.75 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas $2.5 million in Capital Magnet Funds A $2 million sponsor loan from Foundation Communities
Amenities
Learning center, basketball court and picnic area, playground (including a natural playscape,) free WiFi, fitness center, laundry center, walk-in closets, washer/dryer connections, and community kitchen.