ACC Highland Campus

Public Spaces

Oct 8

Written By Ben Roberts

Austin, TX

**Developer:** Red Leaf Properties
**Owner:** Austin Community College
**Landscape Architect:** dwg.
**Architect:** Agenda Architecture
**Civil:** Stantec | WGI
**MEP:** Bay & Associates
**GC:** Harvey | Harvey-Cleary Builders
**Landscape Contractor:** Strata Landscape
**Light Design:** Ion Art, Inc.
**Steel Fabricator:** Renfrow+Co
**Photography:** Kristian Alveo
**Video:** Pearl MF

Original Series

Watch Series

People

Architects

Daniel Woodroffe

Architects

President/Founder
dwg.

Architects

Michael Hargens

Architects

Principle/Co-Founder
Agenda Architecture

Architects

Contributors

Dr. Molly Beth Malcom

Contributors

Executive Vice Chancellor
Operations & Public Affairs
Austin Community College

Contributors

History & Vision

ACC Highland's St. John Encampment Commons and Fontaine Plaza stand as a testament to urban revitalization, transforming a former mall parking lot into a vibrant green space. This transformation is deeply rooted in Austin's history and a commitment to sustainable practices. The land was once home to the St. John Orphan Home and Industrial Institute, the first African American orphanage in Texas, established in 1879. Annual encampments held by the St. John Regular Missionary Baptist Association brought together people from across the state, a legacy honored in the name "St. John Encampment Commons." The vision for the Commons and Plaza was to create a welcoming space that fosters community, encourages reflection, and provides opportunities for learning and engagement, serving as integral parts of the campus experience.

Design & Construction Photos

ACC Highland CS_DWG_Fontaine Drawings v1.jpg

St John Encampment Commons_plan Rachel Brehm.jpg

ACC_Highland CS_Highland Mall BEFORE PHOTO v1.jpg

Obstacles

Transforming the parking lot into a thriving green space presented challenges. The project team addressed stormwater management by implementing innovative solutions to handle rainwater runoff and prevent flooding. Soil remediation was necessary due to decades of use as a parking lot, requiring extensive work to support healthy plant life. Balancing the need for modern amenities with preserving the site's history required careful planning and collaboration with community stakeholders.

Standout Features

Despite these obstacles, the revitalized Commons and Fontaine Plaza boast impressive features. The UFCU Pavilion, a graceful, tent-like structure, evokes the historical encampments and provides a shaded gathering space. A large bio-retention garden, a 1-million-gallon cistern for irrigation, and the use of native and drought-tolerant plants demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. Striking purple light poles, ACC's signature color, connect the Commons to Fontaine Plaza and add vibrancy. Walking paths, seating areas, and open lawns encourage interaction and provide a place for students and the surrounding community to connect. The St. John Encampment Commons and Fontaine Plaza are not just green spaces; they are symbols of renewal, community, and sustainability, honoring the past while building a brighter future.