La Reunion is an apartment housing cooperative in North Austin located at 7910 Gault Street.
La Reunion Cooperative Apartments is a cooperative community that inhabits a 1960s apartment building with a courtyard garden. Members maintain their own living units with family members or roommates, but come together for nightly meals and socializing in a community Commons. House decisions are made at weekly democratic meetings. Cooking, labor, cleaning, gardening, and administrative work are done by the residents, with leadership positions elected by the membership twice yearly. We are a diverse, dynamic community of many backgrounds and with many aspirations. Life at La Reunion includes savoring great food and conversation over home-cooked meals, evening hangouts in the courtyard, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you and your community are your own landlords.
Our History
La Reunion Cooperative Apartments began on April 1, 2013 when a working group of co-operators took possession of a 20-unit apartment building in North Central Austin. The working group in question had been meeting in spare rooms and coffee shops for more than a year when NASCO Properties closed, with its blessing, on the apartments at 7910 Gault Street. Closure of a large co-op in Santa Cruz had provided funding and NP interest in expanding an existing co-operative organization.
More About Us
Because of its vibrant cooperative economy and the presence of a willing core group of organizers, Austin was an attractive option. Working group members were recruited from friends and other networks to create a “move-in ready” core group of the following members: McAllen Halsey, Mike Gorse, Gatlin Johnson, Donald Goff, Hannah Frankel, Ryan Nill, Nolan Darilek, Molly Odintz, Greg Emil, Victor Green, and Jesse Mabus. Working group members envisioned a democratic, anti-racist community that would provide housing as well as a sense of community, and perhaps offer other useful services both for members and residents of nearby neighborhoods.
As is the case for many co-ops, starting La Reunion was not simple. La Reunion moved into an existing community, and due to seller requirements of nondisclosure had to adjust to the reality that many residents already present were unfamiliar with cooperative living. Some residents decided that cooperative living was not a good fit for them; but others became active members of La Reunion and proved invaluable in creating connections and acceptance between La Reunion and the surrounding community.La Reunion still serves its values of creating a diverse, welcoming community that allows residents to maintain control of their housing while supporting one another.