The redevelopment at ACC Highland is marking its latest milestone: RedLeaf Properties is partnering with Greystar Real Estate Partners to develop Highland’s first multi-family community. The new apartments are part of the master-planned redevelopment by RedLeaf and the Austin Community College District that will transform the former mall into a state-of-the art learning facility and its surrounding parking into a mixed-use community.

“We watched as the mall spiraled into decline. We had a vision to restore Highland and reinvent this community,” said Dr. Vic Villarreal, Chair of the ACC Board of Trustees. “It’s exciting to see this next phase of the redevelopment project taking shape with the community and our partners.”

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Designed by local architecture firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the four and five-story residential community will feature approximately 300 units, of which 30 will be reserved as income-qualifying affordable units. Approximately 5,000 square feet of retail for locally oriented businesses will wrap a parking garage that will be hidden from view.

“We looked at a number of multi-family developers and chose Greystar because they’re smart, disciplined and open to new ideas,” said RedLeaf Principal Matt Whelan. “Greystar has achieved success developing timeless yet practical communities that appeal to today’s renter. They’ve shown they understand and appreciate the overall Highland plan, and the design we’ve envisioned will be complementary to the entire redevelopment.”

The new multi-family community is expected to achieve at least a LEED-certified rating based on a number of green building and sustainable features, including instant hot water, secure bike storage rooms, locally sourced building materials, Energy Star appliances and energy-efficient windows. Residents will be able to walk to the nearby MetroRail Highland stop to easily connect to East Austin, downtown and points northwest.

Working from home has become increasingly common and the community will include a co-working space designed into the clubhouse area, supporting taking cars off roadways.

“We’re proud to be a part of Highland’s rebirth to bring future residents a high-quality living experience,” said Derek Brown, managing director of Greystar. “Being at Highland means that in addition to a central, accessible location we will be able to offer nearby transit via Metrorail and be part of a thoughtfully planned project that will include new open spaces, a walkable environment and proximity to a growing list of neighborhood food and entertainment destinations.”

The community will replace a surface parking lot that served the former shopping mall and has sat vacant for years. RedLeaf and Greystar anticipate a groundbreaking this fall with the first apartments scheduled for delivery in 2017.

“ACC’s partnership with RedLeaf has paved the way for this new vision at Highland,” said ACC President and CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes. “We’re glad to see what we started here together is attracting new uses and residents.”

Tags: ACC Highland, Greystar, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Red Leaf, residences