The center also provides housing for people with disabilities. The increase in units will provide new residential, retail and commercial development.
Austin Geriatric Center, a nonprofit corporation, which owns and manages the Rebekah Baines Johnson Center, told the American-Statesman that it will seek proposals from developers with proven track record and finances to assist the board in the redevelopment of the site.
Nearby diversification via grocery stores, restaurants, a health clinic and skilled nursing facilities, will create a veritable senior housing urban village. The goal is to incorporate retail and commercial development for residents and the surrounding community.
The city is creating a master plan for 100 acres of green space near the RBJ project which could galvanize developer interest on the national level. The Rebekah Baines Johnson Center opened in 1972 and was named for President Lyndon B. Johnson's mother.
An Austin real estate expert noted that the location and size of the parcel should enable the development of another catalytic project on the near east side.
Many Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences are moving towards the urban village concept.