ACC Purchases Dillard’s Highland Mall Property
May 25, 2010 –The Austin Community College District (ACC) announces the purchase of approximately 18 acres of Dillard’s, Inc. property at Highland Mall for future expansion of college programs and facilities.
The Highland Mall property, located at 5901 Airport Blvd., includes the four-story Dillard’s building and surrounding 18 acres. ACC plans to renovate 194,000 square feet of former retail space, adding classrooms and office space.The space would also reunite ACC’s business and administrative services, currently headquartered in separate locations.
The central location has many advantages, including ample parking, expansive floor space, and proximity to both a new Capital MetroRail stop at Airport Boulevard and ACC administrative offices at Highland Business Center. Information about the selling price is not available at this time in order to preserve bargaining position in other land purchases currently under negotiation. ACC will release the purchase price at a later date.
ACC has long considered the possibilities of the Highland location and completed the transaction in partnership with Matt Whelan, principal of RedLeaf Properties, LLC. Whelan, who was most recently involved in transforming the former Mueller Airport into a mixed-use development, will continue to work with the college on redevelopment of this economically challenged part of north Central Austin. While there are no immediate plans for the area surrounding ACC’s land purchase at Highland Mall, a larger revitalization is expected.
Beyond renovations to the building itself, there is potential for the surrounding acreage to be transformed, over time, into a successful mixed-use project that is reflective of the community’s goals,” says Whelan. “There are, of course, a number of hurdles to overcome regarding the current state of Highland Mall, but regardless of how and when the area evolves, having ACC expand its presence in this part of town is a positive step in the area’s future.
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