Support Us Button Widget
Real Estate  Development

Community First! Village to expand by ~1,400 homes

Mark Odom Studio designed six micro-home concepts for the neighborhood.

January 27, 2023 • 
London Gibson
A rendering of people sitting on the porch of a micro-home in Community First! Village.

The Community First! expansion is set to include ~700 micro homes designed by Mark Odom Studio.

Rendering courtesy Mark Odom Studio.

Community First! Village, an East Austin community designed to house people coming out of homelessness, is about to grow — a lot.

Crews are set to break ground on the next stage of a 1400-home, 127-acre expansion this spring, with residents expected to move in by 2025.

About 700 of those new residences will be micro-homes designed by Mark Odom Studio. These will:

  • Range between 144-200 sqft in size
  • Be chosen from six models, one of which has two floors
  • Include a porch

The homes will be grouped into 14 “Neighborhoods of Knowingness,” clustered around a communal area, shared kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathroom facilities.

This marks a substantial expansion for Community First! Village, which currently houses ~350 people. Learn more about the development from Mobile Loaves & Fishes.

A rendering of people walking in a neighborhood in the Community First! Village.

The micro-homes will be clustered into 14 “Neighborhoods of Knowingness.”

Rendering courtesy Mark Odom Studio

More from ATXtoday
The ornate interior of the historic Paramount Theatre in Austin. Audience members are filling the seats and the big screen on the stage displays the words "The Paramount Summer Classic Film Series" while filmmaker Robert Rodriguez speaks on stage.
Culture
Bleak Week returns during Paramount Theatre’s Summer Classic Film Series
Fans of thrilling, tear-jerking, and frightening films can watch eight films on the big screen this summer.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A shop interior displaying Western-themed clothing. Jackets, plaid shirts, and dresses hang neatly. Cowboy boots and shoe boxes line the shelves.
Business
Ariat celebrates Austin opening with passport crawl + block party
The western wear brand is kicking off its first Austin store by inviting local stores on the strip to party all weekend.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of people gather outdoors in a wooded area, sitting and chatting in front of a large, colorful, hand-painted banner that reads "Happy Birthday Eeyore." The banner is filled with vibrant, abstract art and patterns. Some people have body paint, and a decorated bicycle is leaned against a tree. The setting is festive and communal, with a creative, artsy vibe.
History
The history behind Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Austin, TX
This weird Austin festival celebrates the gloomy donkey from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” series.
April 23, 2026
 · 
STAFF
A rooftop patio with colorful woven ottomans, wooden tables, and metal chairs, overlooking a cityscape of modern glass skyscrapers.
Culture
Little-known perks at the Austin Public Library
The services offered at local Austin Public Library branches are pretty useful in our books.
April 22, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
How to protect Austin’s urban forest of 42 million trees
It may be Earth Day, but we’re offering tips and tools for supporting Austin’s thriving urban forest 365 days a year.
April 21, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
A woman in a denim jacket stands smiling in a lush garden with a water fountain. The background features greenery and a mural of an eye.
Business
Good Grief: How Austinite Veronica Pulido turned tragedy into creation
The winner of Austin FC’s Dream Starter competition started an online platform to help people navigate serious illness and end-of-life care for their loved ones.
April 20, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_W Block of Red River_No Text.jpg
City
Red River Cultural District unveils five-year strategic enhancement plan
The Soundtrack to the Future plan outlines improvements to the venue facades, curb appeal, and safety features.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Downtown Austin from the east, featuring train tracks running through a busy street, lined with trees and vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings with glass and steel facades dominate the skyline, interspersed with older, low-rise structures. Cars navigate the streets below, and traffic lights and street signs add to the busy, bustling atmosphere. Clear skies with light clouds above the city.
Culture
If Downtown is Austin’s living room, what does that make the rest of town?
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
One person handing a bag of food to another person on the porch of a home
Play
40+ volunteer opportunities in Austin
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
April 8, 2026
 · 
STAFF