In the paper yesterday there was a story about t
he long-term plans the Austin Community College (ACC) has for the Highland Mall area. The Austin American Statesman obtained these copies in an open records request and ACC stresses these are just possibilities and not certainties, but I like what I see.
It would be nice to have that area transformed into a community where people can live, work and play. With access to the rail and bus it could really be a great spot. I also think this fits right in line with the hopefully transformation of Airport Blvd as a whole.
What really sticks out to me is that some of these plans may not happen until 2070! That is crazy. Who knows what this area will look like then. I really hope it doesn’t take that long and I will be able to enjoy any revitalization.
What do you think of the tentative plans for Highland Mall?
Personally, I want Highland Mall to a regional and national wonder for the cause of New Urbanism. However, I believe there are some major inconsistencies with ACC/ RedLeaf’s plan: # 1) the mall building has an 70-year lease with a ‘majority’ building owner (about 75%) which is not ACC (which owns around 25% of the mall building and is the land owner of the entire tract) – with the article not releasing the name of the ‘majority’ building owner, #2) the building is about 70% percent vacant, unless the owner has paid off the financing, the current net profit would be negative. Why not sell? and #3) a new urbanist-style site layout which may (or may not) be split by the RedLeaf parcel buyout, which (may or may not) be “new urbanist”.
At this time, as a member of the Highland neighborhood, I am not clear if any actionable plan is on the table. I’m left thinking the Statesman piece may help spur development offers, which may lead to the purchase of the entire mall building, which would enable a broader, new urbanist “master plan” to proceed with quicker speed and more zoning specificity.
Let’s hope the city’s Airport Boulevard Advisory Board enters into a robust stakeholder relationship with ACC/ RedLeaf about moving the project forward to help revitalize this once, vibrant part of central Austin.