The AARC, alongside the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and Austin Public Works, announced July 6 that Trahan Architects has been selected to design the upcoming expansion of the AARC facilities.
The upcoming expansion at the AARC includes plans to build a new 200- to 400-seat performance theater on the site at 8401 Cameron Road, Austin. According to the AARC website, the expansion also includes provisions for associated site improvements and parking.
Trahan will handle the design phase of the planned expansion. According to a timeline on the AARC website, the design is expected to last about two years with an estimated construction start date in fall 2023. The AARC expects to open the completed expansion in spring 2025.
The architecture firm has offices in New York, New Orleans and Atlanta. Trahan Architects designed the new arrival garden and Moody Pavilions at the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park at Laguna Gloria in West Austin, according to the firm’s portfolio.
Trahan’s portfolio further includes performance art spaces and event centers across the nation with design credits on the Laredo Convention Center in Texas, the Aurora Event Center in New York and the Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance Theatre in Georgia.
The addition of the performance center at the AARC is funded by $7 million of bond funds through Proposition B of the voter-approved 2018 bond.
In its July 6 newsletter, the city said upcoming community engagement is planned to help inform design and function elements using public feedback. Information on community engagement opportunities will be shared through the AARC’s newsletter. Interested residents can sign up for that newsletter here.