ACC Rio Grande Main Building was originally constructed in 1915 to serve as the Austin High School, and a large structure was added in 1925 that two large open-air courtyards.

The building is concrete-framed, with walls constructed of multi-wythe brick and hollow clay tile masonry. Windows were originally wood- and steel-framed, but the majority were replaced in the 1970s with aluminum-framed units. The structure is a designated Austin Landmark.

The building was acquired in 1975 by Austin Community College and has since served as the main building for the Rio Grande campus. Extensive upgrades were approved through a 2014 bond program, and a design team was selected to spearhead the renovation, including Overland Partners Architecture, Studio8 Architects, Hutson Gallagher, Architexas, and Acton Partners.

Acton Partners’ role on the project consisted of evaluating exterior roof and historic wall elements for signs of distress, performing a detailed analysis of water and air infiltration points through the enclosure, reviewing historic and new architectural drawings, and periodically observing in-progress construction. We worked through difficult details with the design team, including integration of a large ETFE roof structure with the existing parapet walls to enclose the internal courtyards.

The building was substantially complete in 2021, with ongoing interior work to adapt the spaces being performed as a result of the pandemic.