PROJECTS PRESS ABOUT CONTACT
  • Year
  • 2016
  • Project
  • Lucero
  • Type
  • Multi Family
  • Area
  • 173 Units | 200,000 SF
  • Location
  • Austin, TX
  • Services
  • Design
  • Collaboration
  • Davcar Engineering Services, Inc., P.E. Services, SCA Consulting Engineers
  • Photography
  • Andrea Calo
  • About

  • Lucero is a landmark urban redevelopment in South Austin, encompassing 486 residential units across nine acres. Designed to redefine affordable housing in Texas, the project integrates density with livability, offering a community-oriented environment that balances public and private life. Phase I includes 173 tax-credit apartments, while Phase II will introduce additional market-rate units, ensuring a socially and economically diverse neighborhood.
    The U-shaped layout opens toward downtown Austin, framing skyline views and drawing light deep into the site. Units with prime views were intentionally replaced by a shared rooftop terrace, creating an elevated communal space that reinforces the project’s focus on connection. The sequence of the public park, breezeway, and central courtyard forms Lucero’s central axis, inviting residents to move naturally between moments of gathering and retreat.

Colorful apartment building courtyard with mature oak trees, murals, and orange-accented balconies
Aerial site plan of residential development with buildings, central green courtyards, and colorful

Each landscape element is designed as an educational experience that reflects the geological regions and microclimates found across Texas. Together, these spaces transform Lucero into more than a housing complex. It becomes a living environment that celebrates the local landscape, fosters community, and reimagines what affordable housing can be in Austin.

Person walking through outdoor corridor with white walls yellow accents and perforated metalBright lime green door numbered 4402 in white concrete corridor with metal railings and sunlightPerson walking through modern housing complex corridor with white walls and colorful red orange
Abstract view of pink and red geometric walls against blue sky with angular shadows and mesh screen  Covered walkway with blue accent walls, metal mesh railing, white stucco walls and angular shadows
Modern apartment complex courtyard with colorful accent walls, balconies, green lawn and city

Work Performed by Bercy Chen Studio

Lucero