ACC buys Dillard's at Highland Mall

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin Community College District has an extremely large purchase ready for check out.

ACC officials announced Tuesday they will buy approximately 18 acres of Dillard's Inc. property at Highland Mall in North Austin.

The college plans to use the space for classrooms and administrative offices.

“Investing in the property now is good for the college’s future," said Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC President/CEO. "It will help us expand operations, student services, and learning opportunities to meet high demand throughout the service area, and it has the potential to revitalize a local landmark.”

The current facility operates as a clearance center for Dillard's. The retailer sued the mall's management last year alleging the mall had been allowed to deteriorate.

Matt Whelan with RedLeaf Properties negotiated a deal to allow ACC to gain access to the space.

Whelan helped redevelop Austin's Mueller Airport into a mixed-use development.

“ACC has great growth in its future, with community colleges enrolling the majority of higher education students,” says Nan McRaven, chair of the ACC Board of Trustees. “In the last two years alone, the college has grown by more than 8,600 students district-wide. As the college continues to expand, we will face infrastructure needs that can be resolved in part by consolidating support operations and preparing for modest growth in administrative services.”

ACC recently announced land acquisitions in Elgin and Leander, and the college is pursuing acquisitions in Bastrop and the Kyle/Buda area.

ACC projects enrollment will reach 54,000 by 2020.