Lucero Apartments
ARCHITECT OF RECORD: Craycroft McElroy Hendryx
DESIGN ARCHITECT: Bercy Chen Studio
LOCATION: Austin, Texas
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE: Calvin Chen
ROLE (TRAVIS LUCY): Project Manager, Schematic Design, Construction Observation
CIVIL ENGINEERING: Davcar Engineering
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: SCA Consulting Engineers
MEP ENGINEERING: P.E. Services
This project delivered 173 affordable apartments in Austin’s Bouldin Creek neighborhood, replacing a 1960s-era housing complex on the same nine-acre site, within an unusually demanding timeline: residents of the existing units needed to be temporarily relocated, then welcomed back into the new building within a single year of moving out.
To achieve this, our team collaborated closely with the general contractor’s preconstruction group during schematic design, developing cost- and time-saving strategies. The result is a 4-over-2 podium building with underground parking—an ambitious undertaking delivered under pressure.
The design draws inspiration from Mediterranean hillside towns, with white stucco façades wrapped around semi-public courtyards enlivened by vibrant accents of color, public art, and lush landscaping. The community offers residents a wide range of amenities, including classrooms, a community lounge, a splash pad, a playground, and rooftop decks with striking views of the downtown skyline. Individual apartments are generously sized, with balconies and ample daylight.
