Apparently, there’s a big demand for living small.
That’s according to Forrest Hardy, technology and marketing manager for Casata — an upcoming 66-unit micro home rental community in south Austin. He shared that Casata’s website has had more than 40,000 unique hits during the past six months.
“The comparison between 66 units and 40,000 visitors to the website shows interest,” Hardy said.
When it comes to housing, Hardy said the eco-conscious development is “turning the model upside down,” noting that some people are giving up homeownership to sign a lease at Casata.
“We’re centered around the way our world is working now, where housing affordability, location and sense of community (are all considered),” Hardy said. “Not only are the units cool, the other half is what we do to bring all the residents together if they want to be social.”
Casata will feature an on-site “Campus Alchemist” who is responsible for organizing several events per week, including yoga classes, food and drink tasting events and small concerts on the community’s live music stage.
“A lot of housing isn’t centered around human experience, and we’re working very hard to achieve that,” Hardy said.
The units start at $1,300 per month and range in size from 378 to 607 square feet. Other amenities include a fitness center with energy-generating equipment, a coworking space, electric vehicle charging stations and a fenced-in dog run area.
Casata’s location at 10400 Old Manchaca Road hits several sweet spots for potential residents, including its accessibility, mature trees and quiet neighborhood. It is also located within a quarter-mile of local hotspots Moontower Saloon, Armadillo Den and South Austin Beer Garden.
“It is a specific tiny little area that is becoming a super attractive place to go enjoy yourself. We have a lot of faith and confidence in this area,” Hardy said, hinting at a potential partnership with one of the nearby bars that would give perks to residents.
With 40 leases already filled by tenants ranging from ages 27 to 74, Casata is slated for a Dec. 1 opening.
“This is just the very first taste of what’s to come,” Hardy said, sharing that Casata has micro home communities planned for San Marcos, Waco and Dallas.