Repurposing Elementary School Sites in Austin ISD

In 2019, Austin ISD rolled out a list of campuses proposed to be closed for various reasons. Their size and the significant community impact these campuses have made Parkhill wonder about potentially repurposing these facilities to build community in similarly critical situations. This paper describes the options and potentials for two elementary school campuses: Sims Elementary and Brooke Elementary. Parkhill proposes solutions that are compatible with their neighborhoods and inspire the East Area community (an area that has historically been displaced and gentrified). This study proposes converting (repurposing) these two sites into market-driven, affordable residential units. The two examples shown herein are based on vertical mix-use entitlements for both sites.

Julio Carrillo, AICP, LEED AP ND is a Senior Planning and Manager. Julio joined Parkhill in March 2020 and brings more than 16 years of expertise in diverse areas with a strong focus on sustainability and architecture. As a Certified Planner, he has worked in various large-scale masterplans for mixed-use communities with a sustainable approach. Julio is originally from Peru and grew up in one of the most contaminated cities in the world: La Oroya. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in supporting sustainable practices in planning and urban design in all his projects’ interventions.