News Summary
Eastside Early College High School in Austin has received the Educational Facility Design award from the AIA for its unique blend of historical significance and modern educational innovation. The school, completed in 2022, incorporates elements from the former L.C. Anderson High School and offers advanced learning opportunities for a diverse student body. Its design showcases flexibility, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, earning various accolades for its architectural excellence.
Eastside Early College High School in Austin Earns National Design Award for Fusion of History and Innovation
Austin, Texas – Eastside Early College High School has recently been awarded the prestigious Educational Facility Design award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The impressive architectural project, designed by the Austin-based firm Perkins and Will, brings a unique blend of historical significance and modern educational innovation to its campus.
Located at 900 Thompson St., Eastside Early College High School was completed in 2022 and serves as a K-12 educational facility. The site holds significant historical context, as it was formerly the location of L.C. Anderson High School, a historically Black high school that was closed in 1971 during the desegregation process. The contemporary design of Eastside pays homage to its predecessor, integrating original bricks from L.C. Anderson and incorporating mid-century modern design elements that reflect the complex legacy of desegregation.
The construction of the school came at a cost of approximately $80 million, funded through a 2017 Austin Independent School District (ISD) bond. The building itself spans four stories and encompasses 173,000 square feet of innovative educational space. Classrooms are designed for flexibility and collaboration, allowing for high-tech learning experiences tailored to diverse student needs.
In addition to the AIA award, Perkins and Will’s architectural work on Eastside Early College High School has garnered further recognition, winning the Design Commendation Legacy Award from AIA Austin in 2024, the Summit Award from the Association for Learning Environments in 2024, and the Recognition for Public Service Award from Preservation Austin in 2023.
Eastside Early College High School serves a diverse and vibrant student body, with demographics reflecting 77% Hispanic, 18% Black, 3% White, and 1% Asian students. The school aims to foster educational growth by offering students pathways to earn college credits in various fields including health science, engineering, information technology, and graphic design, as well as opportunities to obtain associate degrees.
The grand opening of the new school was celebrated by Austin ISD on a Thursday, with community members and school leadership coming together to mark the occasion. The school’s principal emphasized the deep connection between the establishment’s past and its future, highlighting that every aspect of the building serves as a representation of East Austin’s history.
The campus boasts state-of-the-art technology, flexible learning spaces, a large multi-use outdoor courtyard, and a wellness walk that conveniently connects to Austin Community College. The considerable focus on sustainability has also led to the school achieving LEED Silver Certification, recognizing its energy-efficient design and innovative water management techniques.
The transition from the previous facility at the Johnston campus to the new site at 900 Thompson Street took place in the Fall of 2021. The design team’s collaboration with L.C. Anderson alumni and local community members was critical in incorporating historical elements into the new construction, ensuring that the spirit of the original school lives on in this modern educational environment.
Through the creative integration of historical aspects and cutting-edge educational facilities, Eastside Early College High School stands as a testament to both Austin’s rich educational legacy and its commitment to forward-thinking, inclusive education.
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Additional Resources
- Axios: East Austin High School Wins National Design Award
- Wikipedia: Educational Facility Design
- KVUE: Austin ISD Opening Modernized Eastside Early College High School
- Google Search: Eastside Early College High School
- Statesman: Eastside High Football – Texas Longest Losing Streaks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historical Design
- Austin Monitor: Rents in Austin Are Down
- Google News: Eastside Early College High School
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