A funky slice of South Austin has a new mission under new ownership. Formerly known as Verde Camp, Camp Lucky is a collective of bungalows near South Congress Avenue now catering to the creative community.
In 2006, Carrie and BJ Heinley purchased the six historic bungalows and converted them into Verde Camp, a short-term rental community. Earlier this year, business partners John Gilliland and Tammie Kleinmann scooped up the compound, located at 1505 Drake Ave., and rather than raze the property, they rebranded it to Camp Lucky.
The space is now curated for "creatives who have projects in Austin or need a place to work: filmmakers, artists, musicians, advertising colleagues," Kleinmann tells CultureMap. "The idea behind Camp Lucky is a place for creativity to grow and thrive — whether by our clients or others looking for a place to be productive for stretches of time."
The six 1930s homes have been updated with modern amenities and come fully furnished.
"Each has one bedroom, a small kitchen, and a living area. We're adding elements to reflect the identity of the Lucky brand, and cultivating more outdoor hangout areas, but apart from these subtle changes, Camp Lucky maintains all of the magic of Verde Camp," Gilliliand says. "We've kept the original bungalow names: Cicada, Cloud, Mexia, Mockingbird, Sunrise, and Yellow Rose."
Gilliland and Kleinmann's production company Lucky 21 and creative editorial businesses Lucky Post are the first two tenants; the four other bungalows are available for extended-stay guests. Prices will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
"Austin's creative culture is vibrant and alive," says Kleinmann. "If Camp Lucky can nurture what's already there — support the neighborhood, maintain the environment the Heinleys established, and add to the excitement of possibility — that's what will make it important."
Camp Lucky, previously known as Verde Camp, was purchased in 2017.
