Austin Community College District (ACC) is embarking on a strategic space utilization plan that will transition all College operations out of the Highland Business Center (HBC), also known as Highland Campus (HLC) Building 8000, over the next two years. A complete exit is targeted for fall 2028.

The transition follows a comprehensive, two-year districtwide space utilization audit. The data highlighted spaces across facilities districtwide that are significantly underused.

“We now have better data to understand how we’re using our spaces. It’s giving us the opportunity to think differently about what our campuses can and should be. Not just at Highland, but across the College,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “This isn’t about moving people around. It’s about creating spaces that support our faculty and staff and make it easier for us to work together. We have the opportunity to be thoughtful about how we build the College we want and make sure every space we have helps us do what we are here to do: serve our students.”

In addition to the audit data, leadership factored in the substantial ongoing operational and repair costs at HBC before coming to its decision. Rather than investing further in major building renovations for HBC — estimated at $20 million — ACC will move out of the building. 

Leadership first informed the HBC community of the upcoming transition during an in-person Campus Conversation on Thursday, August 13. An update was shared with all ACC employees during the Chancellor’s Town Hall on Friday, August 14.

Relocation Strategy 

Most offices and staff currently working at HBC will move into available spaces at HLC, which has sufficient capacity to integrate the HBC teams. Those who may not move into HLC could join other campus communities based on functional fit. 

Phased Order of Operations:

  1. Immediate Fit: Leadership will work directly with department heads with a staff presence at HBC and their teams over the next 6 weeks to identify suitable, underutilized HLC spaces.
  2. Vacant Shell Spaces: If existing underutilized built-out spaces are unavailable, vacant shell spaces will be evaluated for buildout.
  3. Long-Term Buildouts: Future development, such as the former Macy’s building space at HLC, remains a long-term option over a 4-5 year horizon.

Timeline & Milestones:

  • Late August – Mid-September 2026: Department-level consultation meetings.
  • Late September / Early October 2026: Master transition plan will be released detailing specific department destinations and schedules.
  • Fall 2028: ACC operations will be fully transitioned out of HBC.

HBC Facility & Safety Commitments

During the two-year transition window, HBC will remain fully operational and supported. Routine maintenance and necessary repairs will continue to ensure a safe work environment, and facilities teams will continue addressing reported building items.

Leadership has committed to providing the HBC community with progress updates every six months.

What’s Next

The College is finalizing a set of core principles that will guide relocations and space design decisions. While the fate of HBC is still to be determined, the goal is to have it generate sustainable revenue for the College.