Inside, the transformation is even more pronounced: large former retail halls have been opened into expansive learning commons filled with natural light, collaborative seating, and flexible study zones. The interior design celebrates industrial elements exposed ceilings, structural beams, and polished concrete floors—while layering in bright color accents, glass-walled classrooms, and advanced technical labs that support a wide range of programs. The central corridors that once guided shoppers now act as academic spines, connecting maker spaces, simulation areas, faculty hubs, and student services in a fluid, campus-like environment.]]>
Founder of the campus: Architect Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects (BGKA).

Builder(s) Of the mall: Los Angeles' Katzman & Associates designed the complex.]]> https://sites.austincc.edu/highland/wp-content/uploads/sites/228/2022/04/RS2297_20170531-HLC-Campus-Photos-ca-004-lpr-web-1-1140x436.jpg
Source 15
https://www.austincc.edu/wp-content/uploads/RS25712-HLC-campus-page-banner-2-1.jpg
Source 16
https://magazine.texasarchitects.org/wpcontent/uploads/2024/09/HighlandCampus_upper_level.jpg
Source 17
https://magazine.texasarchitects.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/HighlandCampus_cafe.jpg
Source
https://highlandatx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2009-Highland-mall.jpg
Source
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/be0e09d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2048x1365+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fkut%2Ffiles%2F201504%2F16692518593_c35a729280_k.jpg
Source
https://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-LK329_SHRINK_GR_20151123142958.jpg
]]> Years of college campus: 2014-present]]> - Highland Campus, Building 1000 | The Future of ACC Highland | Austin Community College District (no date). https://sites.austincc.edu/highland/phase-1-master-plan/.
Source
- Texas Society of Architects (2025) Design Awards 2018: Highland Campus - Texas Architect Magazine. https://magazine.texasarchitects.org/2018/09/05/design-awards-2018-highland-campus/.
Source
- Highland ATX (2022) A rich history - Highland ATX. https://highlandatx.com/a-rich-history/.
Source
- MALL HALL OF FAME (no date). https://mall-hall-of-fame.blogspot.com/2009/06/highland-mall-airport-boulevard-and.html?
]]>