Looking over the Hatchery site towards downtown Austin — that’s the Weaver apartment building in the foreground. Image: Chasco Constructors / SSG Momark Collaborative

Rebekah Baines Johnson Residences

"We have a project here we think has a lot of humanitarism in it, a lot of heart in it." Frank C. Erwin, Jr.

The idea for the Rebekah Baines Johnson Center and the Austin Geriatric Center was born in 1968 during President Lyndon B. Johnson's final months in office.

Led by Frank C. Erwin, Jr., the vision was to create an evidence-based continuum of care for seniors designed to meet their physical, social, educational, and psychological needs, and to promote their health, security, happiness, and usefulness in longer living. Developed on what was previously the site of a federal fish hatchery, the Austin Geriatric Center was able to acquire approximately 27 acres of land, when the fish hatchery land was declared surplus.

After 50+ years, the legacy of our founders lives on through the innovative programs we create to meet the evolving needs of Austin’s senior community.

1940-1968

~30 acres of land by Festival Beach, Comal, Haskell and Waller streets once was a federal fish hatchery, dating back to 1940. In the days of the Johnson Administration (’66–’67) the fish hatchery closed. President Johnson wanted the land to be used to build a concept of affordable housing and nursing care for seniors and wanted the involvement of the University of Texas. Frank C. Erwin, Jr., Board of Regents Chair at UT, chartered a nonprofit entity, Austin Geriatric Center, to carry out the project. The Austin Geriatric Center was deeded the land by the Johnson Administration in a controversial deal.

1969

Former President Lyndon Johnson and President Richard Nixon meet to work out Austin Geriatric Center problems.

LBJ sends Nixon letter December 1969 thanking the President for assurances the project will continue.

Official IRS ruling grants 501(c)3 exemption status to Austin Geriatric Center after previous attempts were denied.

1972

Rebekah Baines Johnson Center opens in February 1972 and includes 250 apartments and 168 nursing home beds between two buildings.

1981

The nursing home component proved financially infeasible. Through the help of Congressman J.J. “Pickle,” arrangements were made for the City of Austin to purchase the building which served as headquarters for the Health Department and Emergency Medical Services. Still today, RBJ Health Center operates administrative office and clinic services.

1993

RBJ’s first Director E.B. Baker retires after 25 years of service at the RBJ Center

2011

Austin Geriatric Center unveils master plan for redevelopment of the 40 year old building.

The objectives of the plan include:

  • Continue to provide safe, affordable housing for seniors
  • Expand housing options and upgrade amenities
  • Provide mixed use space

2022

RBJ opens The Ladybird with 279 apartments for adults 55 and older. The expansion phase was funded by state and city public sources and private investment. It was a unique construction concept developed to relocate RBJ residents out of the tower to make way for needed renovations.

2024

Austin Geriatric Center hires new Executive Director, Shontell Gauthier, to oversee construction completion, expand services for residents, and lead the next chapter in RBJ history.

2025

The renovated Rebekah Baines Johnson Center reopens at The Rebekah and provides 224 affordable apartments to adults 62 and older.