Goodwin Avenue Development Gives Apartments and Appliances a Second Life
Pictured above: Michael Bernstein and Matt McDonnell of The Geyser Group, Jim Young of Sabot Development, Joe Tracy, Ian McQuestion, and John Duke of CPM Texas in the courtyard of the Goodwin Apartments before demolition
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, it’s no surprise that new developments are sprouting up all over Austin. Often, this development involves the demolition of existing properties to make room for upgraded mixed-use spaces. Jim Young of Sabot Development wanted to use a teardown to build up the community.
On April 13, 2021, demolition began at the Goodwin Apartments in East Austin. At an up-and-coming location between Airport Boulevard and Springdale Road, the 69-unit complex built in 1969 will be replaced by a modern, 5-story, 363-unit development complete with retail space, two pools, and a rooftop terrace.
Recovered from the apartments were 45 usable appliances, including refrigerators and stoves. Joe Tracy of CPM Texas, project manager and Austin Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors Executive Committee Chair, encouraged the crew to donate these appliances to the Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStores.
Demolition of the Goodwin Apartments in progress on April 16, 2021
Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit discount home improvement stores and donation centers committed to increasing the community’s access to low-cost building materials and home improvement supplies, diverting valuable, reusable items from the landfill, and supporting Austin Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing programs in the five counties it serves.
“Austin Habitat for Humanity made it easy for our development to donate a significant amount of building materials to its ReStores,” Young said. “Our project saved time and was able to see valuable materials like ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and more go to a good cause instead of the dumpster. I hope other developers will utilize Austin Habitat for Humanity when preparing for demolition because the process was rewarding and simple!”
A donation to the ReStore wasn’t Jim Young’s only community focus in this development process. Sabot Development gave former tenants of the Goodwin Apartments financial assistance to relocate while the new complex is under construction, as well as access to personal finance and home ownership classes. These tenants will receive first priority to move into the new Goodwin property, where at least 10% of units will be dedicated to low-income families.
The ReStores’ work would not be possible without donations from the community. Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStores are proud to work together with residential donors, corporate donors, developers, and more to support affordable housing in Central Texas. Whether a small piece of home decor or a large selection of appliances, every purchase and donation plays an important role in the story of the homes families will build with the help of Austin Habitat for Humanity.
You too can give your excess or no-longer-needed home improvement items a second life and make a difference for a family in need. Visit austinhabitat.org/restore/donate to learn how.
Click here to view renderings of the new Goodwin Apartments.
- Architecture by Davies Collaborative
- Landscape Architecture by Blu Fish Collaborative
