A new condominium community in East Austin, named the Ivory, has taken an innovative approach to urban living by eliminating traditional parking facilities. Situated at the intersection of Chicon and East 14th Streets, this carless residential building opened its doors in June and has become Austin’s first condominium complex without onsite parking, aside from one designated handicapped spot.
The Ivory is part of a larger mixed-use development known as Chicon, which features two additional buildings with a total of 28 condominiums, 21 of which are classified as affordable housing. Sean Garretson, president of the nonprofit Chestnut Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation, oversaw the development of the Ivory and noted a significant shift in the project’s direction. Originally, it was intended to resemble the other two buildings with three stories, a maximum of 20 units, and ample parking, but the introduction of the Affordability Unlocked program in 2019 prompted a reassessment.
This program allows developers to bypass certain zoning regulations in exchange for increasing the availability of affordable housing. Garretson expressed hope that the concept of a car-free living space could pave the way for future projects in Austin, particularly as 40 of the Ivory’s units are reserved for families earning up to 70% of the median family income, which for a two-person household is approximately $75,250, as per city data.
Additionally, the Ivory is notable for being the first condo development in Austin to eliminate onsite parking requirements after the city removed those mandates in 2023. Garretson emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Chestnut Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation’s broader goal to foster affordable housing and promote walkability to support local businesses.
Garretson further highlighted the financial benefits of living in a car-free community, noting that residents could save thousands of dollars annually on expenses such as gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. The property is conveniently located near e-bike rentals, shared electric vehicles, and a covered CapMetro bus stop, providing residents with various transportation options. While Garretson anticipates that some residents may still choose to own a vehicle, street parking will remain available.
David Carroll, who leads the Chestnut Neighborhood Planning Contact Team, acknowledged that parking concerns have been voiced by some community members, yet he believes they will adapt over time. He noted that the neighborhood’s historical development, which occurred primarily in the first half of the 20th century, resulted in many homes lacking driveways or garages due to the area’s socioeconomic conditions at the time.
Garretson is optimistic that future residents will embrace this shift toward a more sustainable lifestyle. “If you didn’t have that [car] and had options for mobility, you could easily get around in Austin,” he stated.
The Ivory is not alone in its car-free vision; it follows the example of Culdesac Tempe in Arizona, a 17-acre, car-free community that opened in 2023. This development houses nearly 400 residents and boasts over 20 businesses. Rob Maloney of Culdesac explained that eliminating parking requirements enabled the creation of additional green spaces and communal areas, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
“Culdesac Tempe has 55% landscaped open space, is no higher than three stories tall, and maintains the same density as a midrise apartment complex, all because we don’t need residential surface parking,” Maloney remarked. He aspires to motivate other cities and developers to prioritize entrepreneurship and community connections over traditional parking requirements, asserting, “We’re resetting the precedent for development in the U.S.”
