Case Study: Austin Community College creates a vibrant mixed-use campus hub with Gensler

Austin Community College transforms a four-story Dillard’s building with Gensler

Austin Community College faced the challenge of repurposing a former four-story Dillard's department store to serve its growing needs and integrate it into a larger mixed-use community development on the site of the old Highland Mall. The vendor, Gensler, was engaged to handle the renovation and recladding of the structure.

Gensler implemented a solution that transformed the building for the college and also included designing the core and shell for a new, separate one-story building with a mezzanine to house studios for Austin PBS. This created a foundation for a long-term partnership, providing students with access to internships and hands-on learning programs. The vendor's work also incorporated public outdoor gathering spaces, including an event lawn with a large screen, to engage the surrounding community.

Austin Community College