CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Highland Mall Renovation

ACC Project Manager: Brian Morrow

Architect/Engineer: Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects (BGKA)

Construction Manager at Risk: Flintco, LLC

The first phase of ACC’s Highland Mall project is under way as the college works alongside government and private commercial partners to develop a vision for the entire 80-acre site.

Phase One includes the complete renovation of the former J.C. Penney store to provide approximately 200,000 square feet of instructional space. The J.C. Penney will include the full range of campus features including classrooms, science labs, library, student services and offices. The renovation will allow the college to relocate up to 6,200 students from other campuses to permit renovation and expansion work at those locations over time.

The new facility will also feature specialized areas that allow for innovative learning formats, initially focused on mathematics. A math emporium will offer approximately 500 seats for students to complete courses in an individualized, computer-based format with assistance from tutors, as needed.

Renovation is scheduled to begin in early 2013; the facility is expected to open in fall 2014. Meantime, ACC is evaluating options for future uses of the former Dillard’s, Macy’s and mall stores as part of the college’s Master Plan.

The college is working with RedLeaf Properties to complete a redevelopment master plan for the entire site. Early plans envision a compact, walkable urban community with residential and commercial buildings. Structured parking would replace the massive surface parking lots. ACC’s facilities will be the center of this new community. Capital Metro bus and rail service will provide easy access.

ACC and RedLeaf are refining the site’s master plan in coordination with the Airport Boulevard Corridor Initiative, which the City of Austin is preparing. The city is expected to implement a form-based code to replace current zoning in this corridor by early 2013.