History

The story of Mueller begins with a shared vision between the City of Austin and community leaders who, beginning in the 1980s, imagined a different future for the city's aging municipal airport. That vision ultimately shaped the redevelopment of more than 700 acres into Mueller, a mixed-use, mixed-income community guided by six development goals: Fiscal Responsibility, Economic Development, East Austin Revitalization, Neighborhood Compatibility, Diversity and Affordability, and Sustainability.

Affordability was part of that vision from the beginning. The Mueller plan called for at least 25% of residential units to participate in the Affordable Homes Program, creating opportunities for households who might otherwise be unable to afford a home in central Austin.

When Catellus (now Banbury Development) was selected as Mueller's master developer, it was charged with bringing this community vision and its guiding principles to life. But creating affordable homeownership opportunities was only part of the challenge. How could that opportunity be preserved as homeowners eventually moved on?

Catellus created the Mueller Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help answer that question. The Foundation became the steward of the Affordable Homes Program, helping establish a framework through which affordable homes can remain available to qualified buyers as they change hands.

Today, the Foundation continues to steward affordable homeownership in Mueller while exploring ways to create broader community benefit. What began as a collaboration between Austin's civic leaders and community members has grown into a long-term commitment to opportunity, responsible stewardship and a community designed with the future in mind.