Supportive Housing for Seniors

Mary Lee Foundation’s Flagship is a 22 unit building located at 1312 Lamar Square Drive. It was built in 1972 and renovated with accessibility and ADA upgrades in 2006. The renovation was a $1.3 million dollar project funded under the HUD Section 202 program for low-income seniors.

Lamar Square Drive is in close proximity to bus stops, shopping, entertainment, restaurants, pharmacies and much more. The Flagship offers many amenities including free covered parking, onsite maintenance staff, a community courtyard, case management and medication management. Floor plans include efficiency and 1 bedroom/1 bathroom units.

“Flagship is a place where seniors can come and be healthy, involved, inspired and independent. We provide enrichment programs and activities to promote happiness, independence and total wellness.” – Christina Esparza, HUD Property Manager

Suzanne moved to Austin from Dallas to be near her adult son. She had grown up in Rockwell, Texas, just outside of Dallas. When her son was young, Suzanne helped her then husband renovate houses and also found work as a decorator. Eventually she would find work as a food service supervisor at a nursing home in the Dallas area.

Suzanne has now been in the Mary Lee community for approximately 10 years. She initially moved into our “Willows” apartment complex. When Suzanne turned 62, she became eligible to live in “Flagship” – our supportive housing for seniors. She has since been a happy resident at Flagship for the past five years.

Suzanne lives in her apartment with her 20 year old Senegal Parrot, Molly, and Bronson, a 3 year old Pitbull that was rescued from Hurricane Harvey. According to Suzanne, Bronson has come a long way after being rescued and has many friends in the Mary Lee community and the surrounding areas.

Being on Lamar Square Drive, Suzanne describes the area as a “grocery store heaven.” She has easy access to HEB, Whole Foods, Randalls and several others. Suzanne is lucky to still be able to drive and enjoys that she has covered parking at Flagship.

Suzanne appreciates the life she has created here in the Mary Lee Community. She is still close with Bob Hollan, the Case Manager at the Willows. Bob even babysat Molly while there was some work being done on Suzanne’s apartment. The monthly functions that Christina Esparza, HUD property manager, organizes for the residents are an opportunity for her to get out and socialize with her neighbors.

Recently, Suzanne found out that she was eligible for another HUD program but it would have meant she would have to move out of the community and she has no desire to leave the life she has built here at the Mary Lee Foundation.

If you would like more information about Flagship or our other affordable housing programs, please call (512) 448-9628 or email leasing@maryleefoundation.org.