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Plans are in the works to build at least three different projects along East 12th Street in East Austin. Vacant lots make up a large portion of the stretch from Interstate-35 to Chicon Street.

Developers plan to break ground in March on 15 single-family homes near 12th and Waller streets.
That's in addition to an apartment complex which is taking shape further down East 12th Street, intended for Austinites making about $20,000 per year.

Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole said the 24-unit apartment complex will show affordable housing can find a place on any street.

"Our African-American population has decreased from 12 percent a few years ago to 8 percent,” Cole said. “A large part of that is affordability."

Developers say one reason East 12th hasn't seen construction is because the lots are smaller than most--suited for row-house style buildings.

Developer Edward Butler said the remaining homes that are not classified as affordable housing will be built to make sure they are on the lower end of the market value for the neighborhood.

Sheldy Starkes chairs the Anderson Community Development Corporation. She says steps like this are key to transforming the dormant part of Austin's central core into an area with something any family could afford.

"We play a critical role in providing economic development, jobs and affordable housing to a particular segment of our community," Starkes said.

A family of four making less than $36,000 a year would be eligible for the city's affordable housing program. That threshold drops even more for single adult households.

Both the apartments and homes on East 12th Street should be complete by early next year.