What is the historical significance of Santa Rita Courts?

Santa Rita Courts is a public housing community in East Austin that made history as the first public housing project completed in the United States under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

Where is Santa Rita Courts located?

Santa Rita Courts is located at 2409 Santa Rita St. in East Austin, Texas, near Austin Community College and Zavala Elementary.

Who originally lived in Santa Rita Courts when it first opened?

Due to Jim Crow-era segregation, Santa Rita Courts initially housed only Mexican American families. The community remained segregated until the passage of the Fair Housing Act in January of 1968.

What amenities are available at the property?

Amenities at the property include laundry hookups, outdoor clothing lines, garden space, off-street resident parking, community rooms with computers, youth programs, a basketball court, and three playgrounds. Some one-story units also feature wheelchair ramps.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Santa Rita Courts in Austin

Santa Rita Courts

Discover Santa Rita Courts, a historic East Austin public housing community. Completed in 1939, it was the first project in the United States funded under the landmark 1937 Housing Act.

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What to know

Located at 2409 Santa Rita Street in East Austin, Santa Rita Courts holds a unique place in American history. Completed in 1939, it was the very first public housing project in the United States completed with funding from the landmark 1937 Housing Act. It has provided affordable housing for low-income residents in East Austin ever since. Recognizing its nationwide historical significance, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. The complex was designed by the Austin-based architectural firm Giesecke & Harris. Construction was carried out by the San Antonio firm Vincent Falbo & Sons under the direction of Hugo Franz Kuehne, the founder of the University of Texas School of Architecture. Built with cinder block walls, these structures were 84 years old as of 2023 and reflect the era's construction, though they lack modern features like insulation, central air conditioning, heating, and comprehensive accessible design. Reflecting the segregated policies of the Jim Crow era, Santa Rita Courts was originally built to house 40 Mexican American families. At the time of construction, the City of Austin claimed the complex offered the lowest rent in the entire country. The community remained segregated until the passage of the Fair Housing Act in January 1968. Today, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) manages the property and has plans to redevelop the site through the RAD program to better meet modern resident needs. Despite its aging infrastructure, the property has long been a vibrant neighborhood hub. It offers amenities like outdoor clothing lines, garden spaces, a basketball court, three playgrounds, and community rooms with computers. Historical photographs from the Austin History Center, such as 'Mexican Housing Units - Santa Rita Courts,' capture early outdoor community gatherings, highlighting its long-standing role as a gathering place.

Visitor tips

Please respect the privacy of the residents, as this remains an active public housing community.
View the historic cinder block architecture from the public sidewalks along Santa Rita Street.
Note that there are no public indoor facilities or visitor centers on-site.

Nearby context

Situated in East Austin near Austin Community College and Zavala Elementary, Santa Rita Courts is embedded in a historically rich neighborhood. This area has long served as a cultural heart for Austin's Mexican American community, making a walk down Santa Rita Street a journey through the city's evolving social landscape.