Phase 2 plans for the community center located at 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, include the construction of a new building that will house a 200- to 400-seat live performance theater, a multipurpose room and art gallery.
Members of the community are asked to weigh in on the orientation of the building on the existing 15-acre AARC site, recommend design and layout preferences, and identify potential future uses for the space.
A community survey on the Phase 2 design is available online through April 8.
“We know that not all [Asian Pacific American] communities in Austin utilize our public resources equally, so we aim to hear as many voices and perspectives in this process to build a space that serves our growing community,” AARC acting manager Bianca Xoyamayagua-Galvan said.
The AARC will hold additional community feedback meetings in April, including:
- April 4, 6-7 p.m. in Korean at the AARC
- April 5, 6-7 p.m. in Vietnamese at the AARC
- April 6, 6-7 p.m. in Burmese via Zoom
According to an anticipated project schedule online, the city will continue to engage in community engagement throughout the spring. By spring 2023 Trahan Architects will finish design work for Phase 2, and construction of the new facility will be completed the following year in summer 2024.
The $7 million project is funded through 2018 voter-approved bonds.
Phase 1 of the AARC first opened in 2013. Xoyamayagua-Galvan said the center facilitates senior events; hosts cultural, educational and health programs; supports creatives and artists; collaborates with outside organizations; and curates and displays historical and art exhibitions.
“The mission of the AARC is to create a space of belonging and healing for Asian American communities in Austin and beyond,” Xoyamayagua-Galvan said.
