LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — The Amherst Group, a Texas-based real estate investment, development, and operating platform, announced it will construct a new community in Lockhart. The community, named “Firefly,” will bring 145 homes to the area.
Amherst said it will create these homes through its StudioBuilt modular construction process, which is where a building is constructed off-site but in about half the time.
Modular construction
The company said modular construction removes barriers like weather, trade delays, and supply chain issues.
“These homes can be built about 50% faster than traditional homes with stronger quality controls during the construction process, in addition to being more sustainable,” Amherst said.
StudioBuilt homes are made at Amherst’s housing studio in Cuero, which is southeast of San Antonio. The homes will then be installed on site in Lockhart.
“The opening of our new Firefly community generates much needed housing supply for homebuyers in the growing and vibrant city of Lockhart,” said David Schwarz, Head of Commercial Real Estate at Amherst.
Addressing a housing need
Up For Growth, a nonprofit organization addressing the housing shortage and affordability crisis, released a recent analysis that details housing underproduction across the nation.
According to the analysis, Texas is second to California in housing underproduction. The report showed Texas fell short of 306,000 homes needed in 2023.
In response to that, Amherst said it is increasing the housing supply in key metropolitan areas across the state, like Lockhart.
The company said those projects will all use Amherst’s StudioBuilt business.
Lockhart’s growth
The Texas Demographic Center recently released updated population estimates. The report showed Lockhart had a population of 17,146 at the start of 2024.
According to the center, the city experienced a 19.2% population increase in the last four years.
“As Lockhart continues to experience expansive job and population growth, it’s crucial that we have innovative building partners that are able to generate housing supply for new and existing Lockhart residents,” said Lew White, Mayor of Lockhart. “We are thrilled to welcome StudioBuilt homes into our community.”
