A new manufactured home community is coming to Harris Hill Road in San Marcos, Texas. These types of communities tend to have a stigma associated with rural trailer parks from the previous century, which can be difficult to overcome, even for a modern project with an elevated design and finish-outs. However, these manufactured homes will provide a housing alternative for those that lack the significant down payment required for a site-built home and struggle to compete for apartment and other rentals in a college town.
Regarding project details, the community will consist of approximately 300 single-family homes. It will host a variety of amenities including a clubhouse, gym, pool, walking trails, and picnic areas. These manufactured homes will provide an opportunity to enter the housing market at a more affordable price than a conventional home and will have an average homesite of around 5,000 square feet with unit sizes averaging 1,700 square feet.
The pandemic made clear the need for horizontal living spaces and access to the outdoors. This community provides the opportunity for people to have their own space, without common walls. A similar community located adjacent to this property has a current occupancy rate of 99%, further highlighting the significant need for additional housing under the $200,000 price point. In addition to providing additional housing at this price point, it offers a path to homeownership for those who seek it.
Masterplan’s Karen Wunsch was consulted for this project after the first City Council hearing due to concerns raised by some of the Council members. The agenda item was postponed by the City Council, so Masterplan was able to assist the client, LanZola, in perfecting their zoning request and addressing any concerns brought up in the previous hearing. This included performing research on these issues and preparing rebuttals. Masterplan also provided solutions for emergency response concerns and developed a strategy to gain project support utilizing findings from the City’s strategic housing study and public support testimony from citizens.
We are proud to work with LanZola on this project, which will help bridge the gap between supply and demand for housing in San Marcos, TX.