Phase Engineering prepared the HUD environmental compliance documentation to support the Housing Authority of the City of Austin’s (HACA) major reconstruction and substantial rehabilitation of two of the oldest public housing projects in the country. Rosewood Courts was constructed in 1939 as the first public housing property designated for African American families under the US Housing Authority. It was constructed on land owned by former slaves which included one of the city’s original parks used for Emancipation celebrations. Due to the historical significance of the property, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in October 2016. Chalmers Court was also completed in 1939 and served as public housing for whites only. The buildings had undergone significant renovations and lost historical significance; therefore, they were not deemed eligible for listing in the NRHP.
The redevelopment plans for both projects included the preservation of a few select original residential buildings, demolition of the remaining structures, and reconstruction of new residential buildings with modern amenities and additional units. Phase prepared the environmental supporting documents and consultations required to obtain environmental clearance under the HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program and FHA mortgage insurance through Section 221(d)4.
About Phase Engineering
- NEPA/HUD Compliance: Guiding clients through the environmental review process, including ensuring compliance with regulations like 24 CFR Part 58.
- HEROS System Assistance: While the HUD Environmental Review Online System (HEROS) is primarily used by responsible entities and partners (including consultants), Phase Engineering assists clients in navigating the environmental review process, which includes using required online systems and submitting necessary documentation for approval.
- Wetland Delineation: The firm offers specialized services in environmental land management, including wetland delineation, determination, and permitting, in accordance with federal and state requirements such as those of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Archaeological Surveys: To address cultural resource requirements under regulations like Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the company performs Phase I Archaeological Surveys and other cultural resource assessments to identify and manage historical properties that may be affected by a project.