The construction of the Fox Pointe Townhomes, located adjacent to Seventh Street and 24th Avenue Northwest, is progressing and plans are to have several townhomes available for occupancy by late November.

“We’ve had some slight delays in construction due to the very wet spring in southern Minnesota,” said Susan Strandberg, the community development officer for Three Rivers Community Action, Inc. “Our current projection is that the first building (12 townhomes) will be available for occupancy in late November. The second building (12 townhomes) will be available at the end of the year and the final building (14 townhomes) will be available in February of next year.”

Alleviating Austin’s housing problem was one of the Austin City Council’s 2017 goals. Prior studies authorized by the city showed the city needed more affordable high quality rentals and homes in order to attract a dwindling workforce.

Three Rivers contacted the Austin Housing Redevelopment Authority in 2015 about developing the Fox Pointe project. In 2016, the project was awarded tax credit through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, a program the agency uses to stimulate the development of affordable housing. The Austin Planning Commission and the council approved the approximately eight-acre plat in June 2017.

Groundbreaking was held in April.

HRA Executive Director Jon Erichson called the construction of Fox Pointe “one piece of many to address the housing shortage in Austin.”

“As a community, we’re trying to address those needs,” he said.

Erichson also pointed out that the city and county offer tax abatements for building new housing.

“If you’re thinking about building a home, your property taxes will be abated for the next five years,” he said. “It’s a great incentive to build.”

Strandberg said the sewer and water installations are complete and the goal is to have the street completed by the middle of the month. Three Rivers then intends to move crews from building to building as work is completed.

Once completed, Fox Pointe Townhomes will offer the following townhomes:

• 2 bedroom, 1 ½ baths, 1,725 square feet – $619 per month

• 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1,785 square feet (handicap accessible) – $619 per month

• 3 bedroom, 1 ½ baths, 1,832 square feet – $713 per month

• 3 bedroom, 1 ¾ baths, 2,123 square feet (handicap accessible) – $713 per month

• 4 bedroom, 1 ¾ baths, 2,437 square feet – $782 per month

Amenities will include appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, attached garages and water, sewer and trash pick up.

Pets will not be allowed and income restrictions will apply.