AUSTIN (KXAN) — New life is coming to a formerly-abandoned subdivision in south Austin. The property on West Dittmar Road, formerly known as Southstone, is now under new ownership.
Construction by the previous owners abruptly stopped, leaving unfinished homes empty for months. However, New Home Co. acquired the property in December and started demolitions this month.
“We’ll have duplexes and single-family detached, two-story homes,” said New Home Co. Vice President of Sales Amy Scott.
The former vandalized homes prompted the city of Austin’s Development Services Department to get involved. The department received a total of 16 complaints about the subdivision.
Complaints ranged from illegal dumping and trash to tall weeds and grass, pests and unsafe structures.
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The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said DSD’s Code Compliance team has been conducting regular visits to the property since September 2024. (Photo: KXAN)
At the time, the department told KXAN it regularly visited the property, conducted clean-ups and placed surveillance cameras to monitor illegal dumping. However, now that the structures are torn down and the property has been mowed, the department said the code violations will be closed.
“There were homes partially completed here in the project, and so we needed to come in and tear those homes down,” Scott said. “Bulldozing those, breaking up the concrete, the slabs, and then we’ll clean all of that up before we begin construction in the neighborhood.”
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The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said site plans show the owner plans to build condominiums. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said site plans show the owner plans to build condominiums. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said site plans show the owner plans to build condominiums. (Photo: KXAN) -
The City of Austin’s Development Services Department said site plans show the owner plans to build condominiums. (Photo: KXAN)
Scott said New Home Co. operates across the country and has the financial backing to complete this neighborhood.
“I can assure you, New Home Co. will finish this project and finish with the 217 units that will be here.”
Amy Scott, New Home Co. Vice President of Sales
Ultimately, Scott said they want to make something useful of this space for future residents and neighbors in the area as well.
“We do have a bike rack, trails throughout the community for not only our homeowners, but the neighboring community also to take advantage of that as well,” Scott said.
Scott said they plan to have a trailer with their sales team on site next month. She said neighbors can stop by and gather more information.
They plan to start building homes over the next two or three months after getting more permits approved by the City.
