At its regular meeting June 3, the Austin Community College board of trustees discussed plans for its Highland Mall campus, including Red Leaf Properties LLC's plans to build apartments and retail space into the mixed-use urban development.

Matt Whelan of Red Leaf Properties, the developer for the project, said construction on the first building could take place in 12–30 months and could be completed in the next two to three years. Whelan said the estimated amount of time for completing the mixed-use component of the project is 10–20 years. Office space may also be part of the development in the future, he said.

"I think we have a very clear vision for the direction of the mall and what it can be," Whelan said. "I think [that] collectively, we have a lot to look at to figure out how to implement that vision to its maximum benefit and the details of that."

ACC President Richard Rhodes said plans for the Highland project include a wellness center, fine arts center, culinary arts and hospitality departments, and a creative media facility. Part of the vision for the campus is to be environmentally sustainable and pedestrian-friendly.

Trustees Nan McRaven and Allen Kaplan said they would like to see a master plan, timeline and estimated cost for the Highland project in the near future.

"I think we need to get at it, and we need to get at it right now," Kaplan said.

Whelan said ACC's request for qualifications for the project is underway and should be completed in the coming weeks. Next steps for the project are to continue with permitting for construction and infrastructure development.

For construction updates on ACC's Highland Mall campus, visit the website; for more information about the entire project, visit www.austincc.edu/highland/.