Amherst Group, a Texas real estate company, has exciting news for the Lockhart community. They have announced plans to build a new housing development called “Firefly” that will consist of 145 homes. What makes this project unique is the construction method that Amherst will be using – StudioBuilt modular construction.
With modular construction, the homes are built off-site at Amherst’s housing studio in Cuero, Texas, and then transported to Lockhart for installation. This process is not only faster than traditional construction methods, but it also ensures better quality control and sustainability. Amherst estimates that these homes can be built 50% faster than traditional homes, making them a viable solution to address the housing shortage in Lockhart.
The decision to use StudioBuilt modular construction comes in response to a recent analysis by Up For Growth, a nonprofit organization focused on housing shortage and affordability. The analysis revealed that Texas is second only to California in housing underproduction, with a shortfall of 306,000 homes in 2023. By increasing the housing supply in key metropolitan areas like Lockhart, Amherst aims to contribute to closing this gap and providing more housing options for residents.
Lockhart itself has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, as indicated by the latest population estimates from the Texas Demographic Center. The city’s population stood at 17,146 at the beginning of 2024, reflecting a 19.2% increase over the past four years. This growth underscores the need for innovative building solutions to keep up with the demand for housing in Lockhart.
Mayor Lew White of Lockhart expressed enthusiasm about the arrival of StudioBuilt homes in the community, recognizing the importance of having reliable building partners to support the city’s expansion. As job opportunities and population numbers continue to rise in Lockhart, the availability of affordable and efficiently constructed homes will be crucial to sustaining this growth.
The introduction of the Firefly community by Amherst Group represents a step in the right direction towards addressing the housing shortage in Lockhart. Through the use of StudioBuilt modular construction, Amherst is not only offering a faster and more sustainable building solution but also contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the city. Residents of Lockhart can look forward to more housing options and a brighter future ahead.