Announcements July 29, 2026

ULI Americas Honors Our Mall-to-College Campus Transformation

A declining 1970s mall in Austin, Texas, is now an educational anchor and economic catalyst, earning a 2026 Award for Excellence.

An award from ULI Americas is one of the industry’s greatest distinctions. The Awards for Excellence highlight the most innovative and impactful development efforts in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and we’re thrilled to see Austin Community College Highland Phase II recognized. One of just nine winners across the Americas, this LEED Gold-certified adaptive reuse project at the heart of a new mixed-use development embodies our vision to create places where humanity thrives.

Thank you to the Austin Community College District, BGK Architects, and the rest of our team for your dedication to the success of Highland Phase II.

Interior view of a spacious building featuring colorful seating arrangements, open upper levels, and people engaging in various activities.

Precision-Built to Launch Careers

Over 420,000 square feet were reimagined to support more than 16 specialized programs, each requiring advanced infrastructure, precise environmental controls, and professional-grade performance capabilities. Nursing simulation suites meet healthcare standards; recording studios achieve broadcast-level acoustic isolation; manufacturing labs accommodate heavy equipment and flexible utility grids; theaters and dance halls provide production-quality lighting and sound. These industry-caliber environments prepare students to step directly into the region’s high-demand careers.

This project was completed with BGK Architects.

Strengthening Community

The defining architectural intervention—the carving of a central Paseo through the building—transformed what was once an inward-facing retail box into a civic connector. Public programs line the spine, inviting the community into the life of the college. Porous and transparent, the campus offers a legibility and sense of welcome especially valuable to ACC’s many first-generation students.

2026 ULI Americas Awards for Excellence

Click here to learn more about this honor.

ULI Americas Honors Our Mall-to-College Campus Transformation

Related Content