Finally Renovating the Nation’s Oldest Public Housing Project

Modernizing & Preserving Rosewood Courts

Words by Jessi Devenyns & Abby L. Johnson Photos Courtesy Austin History Center

In 1939, the original 124-units that comprised Rosewood Courts were constructed as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal and defined the first African-American public housing complex in the nation. To add further gravity to their cultural importance, the cul-de-sac of low-slung buildings sits atop land that was formerly known as Emancipation Park and is still the location of the city’s annual Juneteenth parade.

For decades the history of this complex remained largely frozen in time. Sadly, though the city around it has changed immensely in the 84 years since its construction, the complex has not received upgrades to keep up with modern America. Although there was general agreement that modernization was required for the Rosewood Courts because the buildings lacked central air conditioning, wheelchair accessibility, and modern plumbing, the question remained how to update the facilities while retaining the character of the mid-century brick buildings encircled by a lively community. 

The answer came in the form of a compromise voted on by the Austin City Council in 2018. Called Pathways at Rosewood Courts, the agreement between the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), the City Council, and the site’s developer called for the preservation of eight of the most visible buildings on the site while redeveloping the remaining structures on the nearly nine-acre parcel. After many years of residents and their surrounding neighbors calling for the site’s rejuvenation, a feasible plan was finally put in motion. According to HACA, Rosewood residents have relocated for the duration of construction with the help of a designated team of HACA employees. All relocated residents will have the first right of refusal to return upon completion of the project.

The updated complex, which is currently under construction, will be designed to provide modern, energy-efficient housing for low-income families and will feature 184 new income-restricted units, 12 affordable townhomes, and the original facades of the eight remaining historic buildings will be renovated to meet modern living standards. 

While the planning process to redevelop this public housing project has taken years, the actual development itself is slated to take place in a matter of months, and the city plans to welcome new and former residents into their refurbished homes by the end of 2023. Even though the path to this point has been far from straight, the redevelopment of this historically rich site is a bold step forward for the community, allowing long-time residents to remain in central Austin at a time when many are getting priced out. The hope is that this investment ensures that the legacy of Rosewood Courts continues to build a thriving community that will be supported for generations to come. 

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