RO recently completed the Austin Media Center at Austin Community College (ACC) Highlands Campus is a transformation of the former Dillard’s department store into a creative hub for Central Texans. The space provides a new home for Austin PBS, ACC administrative and student services offices, and a public gathering place for the nearby community. What once was the former Dillard’s women’s’ department store, now accommodates the growth plans of ACC and provides a new state-of-the-art broadcasting facility and long-term partnership with Austin PBS.

The project, which kicked off in March 2019, in its final form is a 4–level building now consisting of approximately 187,000 SF of office and administrative support space as well as a 1–story addition of approximately 27,000 SF of studio and support space. It is also now home to the largest 12G facility in the country.  Designed as a community gathering space, the project features multiple public gathering spaces including an event lawn between two buildings allowing for film, music, and art to be celebrated. The former Highland Mall has developed into a dynamic and community-first environment that aligns with the values of today’s Austin Community College Highland Campus and Austin PBS.