Austin Community College opened the first phase of its new Highland Campus in 2014, offering a state-of-the-art facility for students and faculty. The campus is located on the site of the former Highland Mall, which was a popular shopping destination in the 1970s and 1980s. The mall experienced a decline in the 1990s and early 2000s, leading to its eventual closure in 2010.
ACC purchased the mall property in 2010 and began an extensive renovation project to convert it into a modern educational facility. The renovated campus features a variety of academic programs, including multimedia design, business, and health sciences, and has a capacity of up to 7,500 students. The campus includes classrooms, computer labs, a library, and administrative offices, as well as a parking garage for students and faculty. The opening of the Highland Campus was a major milestone for ACC, allowing the college to expand its offerings and better serve the Austin community.