Parking Lots to Parks
The Revitalization of the Highland Mall into Austin Community College’s Highland Campus
Austin, TX
Can a defunct shopping mall become a place of learning and community gathering? The leadership at Austin Community College thought so, but not without the right team. This short documentary explores the revitalization of the Highland Mall into a community college and parks, but the story of this plot of land north of Austin is also about recovering 100 years of history that was almost forgotten. See how the school and architectural team replace parking lots with parks and consumerism with education.
Design & Construction Credits
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
Production Credits
Production Company: Pearl MF
Producer & Director: James Burniston
Interviewer: Ben Roberts
Directors of Photography: James Burniston & Austin Travis
Sound: Austin Travis
Editors: Ian West & James Burniston
Colorist: Ian West
Graphic Design: Kristian Alveo
Special Thanks To: Austin Community College, dwg. & Agenda Architecture, Daniel Woodroffe, Rachel Brehm, Amy Goettle, Dr. Molly Beth Malcom, Susan Engelking, Michelle Raymond, Michael Hargens and Tyler Frost.
People
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
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.