AUSTIN, Tex.—Austin-based multifamily developer Oden Hughes has broken ground on the second phases of its Landmark Southpark and Landmark Double Creek communities in South Austin.

“These projects will provide luxury living at a price that is more affordable than what is found downtown and in closer-in urban areas, while still providing easy access to major job centers, popular retail establishments and entertainment venues,” Steve Oden, co-founder and principal of Oden Hughes, told GlobeSt.com.

Oden Hughes will add 285 units immediately south of the Landmark Southpark community near the Southpark Meadows retail center at the intersection of South First Street and Slaughter Lane.

Bordering the 344-acre Mary Moore Searight Park to the south, the latest project will include one-, two- and three-bedroom units that will rent for between $950 and $1,800 a month starting next fall.

In addition, Oden Hughes recently broke ground on 276 units adjacent to the community formerly known as Landmark Double Creek, which Oden Hughes completed in 2013 and sold last year to Toronto-based Brass Enterprises. That property has since been renamed The Landing.

Located three miles south of Landmark Southpark on the north side of Onion Creek Parkway, the project is scheduled to open next August with one-, two- and three-bedroom units renting for between $920 and $1,750 a month.

Although long-planned as expansions of the company's previous developments, both new properties will operate independently under yet-to-be determined new names once opened.

Broker Pat Jones, a principal at Apartment Realty Advisors, says Oden Hughes will see a lot of interest in these new communities.

“With downtown rental rates continuing to escalate, the South Austin apartment market stays at least 95 percent occupied, because it provides more value to the budget-minded luxury renter,” he says. “With these new projects Oden Hughes will again deliver luxury communities that appeal to renters who want to live within close proximity to downtown but want more space and amenities than downtown apartments typically provide.” 

Oden Hughes Taylor Construction will be the general contractor on both projects. Oden Hughes Management will be in charge of leasing and operations upon completion.