{"id":33791,"date":"2015-04-13T00:24:52","date_gmt":"2015-04-13T00:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=33791"},"modified":"2015-04-13T00:24:52","modified_gmt":"2015-04-13T00:24:52","slug":"from-bunker-to-brilliance-highland-campus-phase-ii-underway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.austincc.edu\/newsroom\/2015\/04\/13\/from-bunker-to-brilliance-highland-campus-phase-ii-underway\/","title":{"rendered":"From Bunker to Brilliance: Highland Campus phase II underway"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Austin Community College\u2019s Highland Campus continues to attract both students and national acclaim, work is underway on the next phase of ACC\u2019s project to transform a 44-year-old shopping mall into a regional center for workforce training and lifelong learning.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn less than a year, the Highland Campus has served thousands of students and is being recognized for setting new standards for educational spaces,\u201d says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC President\/CEO. \u201cThe spaces proposed in phase II will extend that \u2018wow factor.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n

Supported by $152 million in bond funding approved last fall, phase II of the Highland redevelopment comprises roughly 415,000 square feet and will expand campus capacity to an estimated 13,000 students.<\/p>\n

Some career-technical programs will relocate from other campuses to ACC Highland to create new opportunities for integrated learning. ACC facilities staff and various college departments are defining space and resource requirements. Plans will be fine-tuned and adapted as designs are finalized. (See timeline below.)<\/p>\n

\"ACC<\/a><\/p>\n

The Highland Campus master plan received a Citation of Excellence from the publication Learning by Design. (Renderings courtesy O\u2019Connell Robertson; Pfeiffer
Partners.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cBecause so many programs share teaching methods and technologies, locating them under one very large roof will create synergies that will lead to more vibrant programs,\u201d says Dr. Charles Cook, ACC executive vice president and provost.<\/p>\n

Highland Mall will close to the public on April 30 so pre-construction work and abatement can begin.<\/p>\n

Follow the progress of the phase II renovations on the bond construction update<\/a> website.<\/p>\n

Phase II highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Creative Digital Media Center <\/strong>(approx. 155,000 gross square feet)<\/p>\n

A new creative media center will prepare students for jobs in the information technology and creative sectors \u2013 two critical components of the regional economy that increasingly are intertwined.<\/p>\n

The center will provide more space, state-of-the-art equipment, and collaborative opportunities for programs currently located on various campuses. These include architectural and engineering computer-aided design; computer programming; fine arts; performing arts; gaming technology; music business; performance & technology; photography; radio, television, & film; and visual communications.<\/p>\n

Features include recording studios; MIDI\/sync\/music lab; television studio; film and mixed-media production studio; photography studio; 2D & 3D animation labs; advanced gaming lab; printmaking, sculpture, and ceramic studios; ensemble and choral rehearsal halls; soundproof practice rooms; dance and acting studios.<\/p>\n

Health Sciences\/STEM Regional Simulation Center <\/strong>(approx. 27,000 gross square feet)<\/p>\n

With the aging population nationwide and the new Dell Medical School locally, the demand for nurses and other healthcare workers is expected to grow. At state-of-the-art Highland Campus facilities, health science students will be able to complete required clinical training on-site in simulation centers with computerized mannequins that replicate interaction with real patients.<\/p>\n

Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management <\/strong>(approx. 25,000 gross square feet)<\/p>\n

By tripling its space for culinary arts instruction, ACC will be able to train more students faster for jobs in the food service industry \u2013 considered by some to be as vital to the local economy as the creative sector. Culinary, hospitality management, and event planning programs will be better equipped to be the provider of choice for ACC events. A full-service restaurant will offer both training and employment opportunities for students.<\/p>\n

Planned features include a production kitchen with cooking and preparation spaces and bakery; restaurant with lobby; dining space for up to 75 people; performance stage; outdoor seating and to-go areas; mock hotel room and front office.<\/p>\n

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The Highland Campus was awarded a 2015 Impact Award from the Urban Land Institute of Austin. Read about the recognition<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Continuing Education <\/strong>(approx. 14,300 gross square feet)<\/p>\n

ACC\u2019s CE Division will have a significant presence at Highland Campus with spaces and labs to support expanded offerings in healthcare, culinary, cosmetology, and massage therapy. Phase II projects include computer lab and classroom space, along with administrative areas.<\/p>\n

Regional Workforce Center <\/strong>(approx. 41,400 gross square feet)<\/p>\n

A Regional Workforce Center will feature flexible space that can be quickly modified to provide customized training and\/or manufacturing space for specific local job market needs. The college expects to outfit the space with equipment such CAD stations, 3D printers, CNC machining tools, laser cutters, robots, and precision measurement equipment that could be used by various ACC credit and CE programs, local businesses, high school students, incubating companies, and others.<\/p>\n

Sustainability standards<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Highland project will follow best practices in sustainable design and construction when possible. Large roof areas may support rainwater harvesting, solar arrays, or daylight harvesting.<\/p>\n

Phase II timeline<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before design and construction begins, the building will undergo abatement to remove hazardous materials \u2013 standard procedure in older structures \u2013 and its roof will be replaced. Before demolition and abatement begins, crews must build a wall to seal off the construction area and add elevators, corridors, and restrooms. Once these steps are completed, construction will take approximately two years.<\/p>\n

Following is the tentative timeline for the phase II:<\/p>\n

Spring 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n