St. John Encampment Commons: A Collaborative Triumph in Engineering and Design

St. John Encampment Commons at Austin Community College’s (ACC) Highland Campus represents a remarkable transformation, turning an asphalt parking lot into a vibrant urban park that honors the past and serves the community’s present and future needs.

This project was a true collaboration, with WGI’s civil engineering services playing a crucial role, alongside the contributions of landscape architects, environmental specialists, and other firms, to bring this public space to life.

A Legacy Reimagined

The land that now houses ACC Highland and St. John Encampment Commons holds deep historical significance – It was once home to the St. John Orphan Home and Industrial Institute, the first African American orphanage in Texas, and later became Highland Mall’s expansive parking lot.

Through collaboration with community stakeholders, the project team, including WGI, helped translate the rich history of the site into a modern urban park that supports education, gathering, and reflection.

Engineering Sustainable Solutions

WGI’s civil engineering services were instrumental in addressing the site’s unique challenges, particularly stormwater management.

The park reduces impervious cover by 89%, incorporating a large bio-retention garden and a sustainable irrigation system. The reclaimed water system, fed by a 1-million-gallon cistern, reduced water usage by 80% and supports the park’s native and drought-tolerant plantings. These solutions, developed alongside other engineering and environmental teams, highlight the importance of green infrastructure in modern urban design.

A Space for Community and Education

WGI worked closely with other firms to design a space that serves multiple functions, from a central lawn for events to smaller areas for passive recreation.

The park’s pavilion, inspired by the historical tent encampments, provides shade and a focal point for gatherings. The park also preserved 17 mature trees, including four heritage live oaks, which were transplanted to add natural beauty and environmental benefits.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond its aesthetic and environmental contributions, St. John Encampment Commons positively impacts the surrounding community.

The park provides much-needed green space, fosters community engagement, and enhances property values in the Highland area. Its accessibility, connected to the ACC Highland Red Line station, ensures it will be a vital resource for residents, students, and visitors alike.

Celebrating the Past, Building for the Future

St. John Encampment Commons stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping sustainable, inclusive public spaces. While honoring its historical roots, the park’s design, led by a team of engineers, architects, and community advocates, ensures it remains a place of learning and gathering for future generations.

Through a shared vision, the transformation of this site highlights how civil engineering, combined with innovative design, can create spaces that positively impact both people and the environment.

The success of St. John Encampment Commons highlights the expertise and innovation that WGI’s civil engineers bring to each and every project – Whether it’s improving stormwater management, enhancing sustainability, or transforming urban spaces, our team is committed to delivering exceptional results.

ULI Austin Impact Awards

Best Public Place: This award recognizes a completed project that provides the public with enhanced civic, open, or public space access or experiences.

Winner: St. John Encampment Commons transformed the easternmost section of the former Highland Mall parking lot into a signature urban park for the mixed-use ACC Highland campus redevelopment. The design demonstrates the economic importance of the public realm while creating a rich narrative about history, environmental responsibility, and social equity.

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