John Anderson
A college campus in a mall sounds like some grotesque joke in a dystopian movie about the gradual reduction of everything into a shopping experience. But, that's not what this is. In fact, it's the opposite: Austin Community College has bought what was Austin's first indoor shopping mall (1971) and is turning it into a modern education center, saving the building from probable demolition after years of decline. At 6,000 students in its first phase, this will be one of ACC's largest campuses. Oh! And if you wanted to shop at any of Highland Mall's remaining stores – business is expected to continue for the rest of the current tenant's leases. Everyone wins.
