Where is the former Rosedale Elementary School located?
The property proposed for sale and redevelopment is the former Rosedale Elementary site at 2117 W. 49th Street, near Burnet Road and West 49th Street.
Are neighbors trying to stop all redevelopment?
No. We are asking AISD to pursue a fair and neighborhood-compatible redevelopment.
In December 2023, after consultation with residents, AISD presented a concept plan that included approximately 50 single-family homes and a small park.
In 2025, AISD trustees approved a contract with OHT Partners without prior communication with the neighborhood.
Our concern is not redevelopment itself — it is the scale, density, and impact of the current proposal.
What is being proposed now?
AISD has contracted with OHT Partners to build a 435-unit, six-story apartment complex on the former Rosedale Elementary School site.
The proposal would:
- Rezone the property to maximum-density multifamily (MF-6-C).
- Allow building heights up to 75 feet,
- Add substantial new residential density.
- Route all resident, visitor, delivery, and service traffic onto interior neighborhood streets that are narrow, lined with parked cars, and lack sidewalks — where pedestrians and vehicles currently share the roadway.
Why are neighbors concerned?
The scale and density of the proposal would:
- Add over 500 vehicles to two-lane neighborhood streets.
- Increase congestion and cut-through traffic.
- Reduce safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Significantly change the safety and livability of northern Rosedale.
Importantly, the surrounding neighborhood streets do not have sidewalks. Residents — including children, dog walkers, runners, and families with strollers — walk in the street itself. A large increase vehicle traffic would directly affect pedestrian safety.
How many additional vehicles could this generate?
Based on standard vehicle ownership rates, 435 units could generate 500–700 additional vehicles regularly using neighborhood streets. This could result in a thousand or more vehicle trips on many days.
All resident, visitor, delivery, and service traffic would funnel into interior residential roads.
Isn’t Austin growing? Why oppose housing?
We support thoughtful, responsible growth.
Our concern is not housing itself — it’s location, scale, and infrastructure incompatibility. A high-density development without direct arterial access is not appropriate for this site.
Growth should match street capacity, safety considerations, and neighborhood design.
What about the deed restriction?
The property has been subject to a deed restriction limiting use to “a residence” since the land was originally subdivided in 1938. It is clear in every deed in the subdivision that this means a single family home with the allowance for a secondary residence such as a “garage apartment” or what is now called an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU).
AISD has sued its neighbors and constituents in a bid to reinterpret that language to allow a maximum density multi-family development. Instead of two living units per lot, the developer wants to put a average of of 16 units per lot.
We believe deed restriction should be honored as written. Any deviation from the original intent requires AISD or any owner to seek the approval of all landowners in the Rosedale H subdivision. It was through this cooperative process that Rosedale Elementary School was allowed to be built.
Can this development be stopped?
Yes. The project still has two major hurdles clear to proceed:
- Deed Restriction Lawsuit
The property is subject to a long-standing restriction limiting use to “a residence” per lot. A court must determine whether multifamily development is permitted. AISD sued Rosedale H residents in a bid to negate this restriction, which it agreed to when it purchased the lots for the school.- Rezoning Approval
The property must be rezoned from single-family (SF-3) to high-density multifamily (MF-6-C), the highest density residential category in Austin.How much funding is needed to defend the neighborhood?
While costs are difficult to predict, similar land-use cases have been expensive.
Our initial fundraising goal was $25,000, with the understanding that additional funds may be needed depending on how proceedings unfold.
How are donations used?
All funds — minus approximately 3% in GoFundMe platform fees — go toward the following:
- Legal representation
- Court costs
- Related advocacy expenses
If surplus funds remain at the conclusion of the case, they will be refunded to donors on a proportional basis.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to stay informed and make your voice heard. See how to get involved here.
Send Suggestions on New Topics
Send your ideas for additional topics that are appropriate for public display to PlayFairWithRosedale@gmail.com.