WIXLIB

Austin ISD – RepurposingElementary School SitesAPRIL 2021BY JULIO CARRILLO

Austin ISD – Repurposing Elementary School SitesABSTRACTIn 2019, Austin ISD rolled out a list of campuses proposed to be closed for various reasons. Their size and the significant communityimpact these campuses have made Parkhill wonder about potentially repurposing these facilities to build community in similarlycritical situations. This paper describes the options and potentials for two elementary school campuses: Sims Elementary andBrooke Elementary.Parkhill proposes solutions that are compatible with their neighborhoods and inspire the East Area community (an area that hashistorically been displaced and gentrified). This study proposes converting (repurposing) these two sites into market-driven, affordableresidential units. The two examples shown herein are based on vertical mix-use entitlements for both sites.TWO AISD CAMPUSES IN EAST AUSTINOf the four elementary school campusesproposed to be closed, Parkhill selectedtwo for this real estate analysis based onthe neighborhoods’ historically high levelsof gentrification.These two campuses, Sims Elementary andBrooke Elementary, are located within a fairamount of services, within walking (andbiking) distance, and are relatively closeto downtown Austin. Both sites are two ormore miles apart and within a 10-minutecommute distance (by car) to downtown.NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS –WALKABILITY SCOREIn terms of proximity to basic services,these two areas have a few differences.Site 01 - Sims Elementary:Site 02 - Brooke Elementary:Walkability Score45Walkability Score66Transit Score (0-100)44Transit Score (0-100)46Bikeable Score (topography / bikefriendly infrastructure and routes)Walkability Notes72 (high score)Bikeable Score (topography / bikefriendly infrastructure and routes)Walkability Notes90 (high score)According to WalkScore’s website, thereare not enough basicservices that couldbe accessed withina 10-minute walk,making this locationmore car-dependent.AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESAccording to WalkScore’s website,there is a fairamount of basicservices that couldbe accessed withina 10-minute walk.IJULIO CARRILLOI1

AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESSite 01 - Sims Elementary:Site 02 - Brooke Elementary:AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESIJULIO CARRILLOI2

AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESCOMMUNITY HEALTH AND COVID-19COVID-19 post-pandemic data suggeststhat communities with a higher risk offatality rates align to communities withhigher rates of obesity. Both sites alsocurrently have low access to healthy foodestablishments based on data from theCity of Austin (2019) and HFAI (HealthyFood Access Index).The map to the right highlights areasin the vicinity of the two sites and theiraccessibility to healthy food. Note thatmost areas within a one-mile radiusof the campuses have low and absenthealthy food options.1 MileSite 01 - Sims Elementary1 MileSite 02 - Brooke ElementaryHIGHThis proposal aims to improve theprovision of healthy foods througheducational programs and services withinthe selected sites. AISD could leveragethis opportunity to include healthy foodoptions for the community.LOWSUPPORTINGDISADVANTAGED POPULATIONSThis area of Austin has been historicallyrecognized as an area segregated fromthe downtown. East of IH35, the city’sdevelopment and prosperity in the recentdecades has continuously increasedthe pressure of displacement andgentrification of East Austinites.This heatmap to the right showcases theconcentration of ECODIS (EconomicallyDisadvantaged) students withinour study area.1 MileSite 01 - Sims Elementary1 MileSite 02 - Brooke ElementaryAISD has a unique opportunity to continuesupporting disadvantaged populationswith the provision of affordable housingin both sites of this proposal. AISDcould target the provision of affordablehousing for its teachers and the ECODISpopulation as well as support programsand services for the economicallydisadvantaged population within the areaof influence of these sites.HIGHLOWAUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESIJULIO CARRILLOI3

AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESSIMS ELEMENTARY SITE - PROPOSALIt is important to note that this siteis currently located within a federallydesignated Opportunity Zone. Thatdesignation allows developers toobtain tax benefits for developing witha community-based approach whileaddressing the issues in its neighborhoodand surroundings.This proposal celebrates the educationalhistory of the site, with the intentionto maintain if place portion of thefoundations of the original facility. Italso aims to encourage celebration ofcommunity with a strategically placedcommunity center that links a “paseo”designed for artist exhibitions and openmarket style assembles.A significant area dedicated to urbanfarming and healthy food produce(community garden) is reserved ina portion of the site in this proposal.Appropriately scaled architectural massingis proposed to comply with compatibilitysetbacks of the city.The proposed retrofit of Sims ElementaryCampus includes a few social andeconomic benefits to the city as a wholeand to the neighborhood area: AISD has a unique opportunity toprovide housing for their teachers withaccessibility to schools, the urban core,and services while proposing a unique,innovative solution to the housingaffordability crisis. Community gardens, arts andcrafts, farmer’s markets, and bookfestivals will ensure the community’songoing celebration. City of Austin will be providingadditional units per their goalof 135,000 new units by 2027,contributing to the 60% targeted toincome-restricted families. Proposed project is scaled respectfullyto single-family neighbors. Community garden and green areas/ trails dedication will promotecommunity gatherings. Community services and retail usesat the ground level will help increaseinteractions and healthy activitiesfor the community. Services could beincreased per neighborhood needs.Example: childcare facility, grocerystore, medical clinic, etc.This proposal also recognizes a fewbenefits and opportunities for AustinIndependent School District: Recognition to AISD for the innovativemodel while integrating educationalinternships (CTE services provided).AISD to continue aligning witheducational performance goals. AISD leads in national recognitionwhile addressing one of the mostimportant crises in planning andurban development. Public Private Partnership opportunityto further development of housingprovision options, while advancingurban economic development. AISD and School workforce couldbe brought together to informthe decision-making process soaffordability goals are achievedAUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESIJULIO CARRILLOI4

View of Downtown Skyline from SiteAUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESAUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESIJULIO CARRILLOI5

AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESBROOKE ELEMENTARY SITE - PROPOSALThis campus retrofit also aims to celebrateculture and community at a human scalewith a pedestrian-friendly approach.This proposal supports communityengagement by proposing a plaza at theNorth-East corner of the campus and adedicated community center. This cornerplace can be an open-floor area of thebuilding that can be flexible to providerevenue generation opportunities.Alternatively, this space could bededicated to CTE (Career and TechnicalEducation) services provided by studentsof the district. Strategically located tothe front of the pedestrian plaza, thisspace will have high visibility to/fromone of East Austin’s principal corridors:East 5th Street.This campus proposal also offers theopportunity to generate healthy foodproduce. Through a series of communitygardens along a neighborhoodstreet and alternatively above greenelevated terraces.The proposed retrofit of BrookeElementary Campus also includes a fewsocial and economic benefits to the city asa whole and to the neighborhood area: AISD has a unique opportunity toprovide housing for their teachers inaccessible areas to schools, the urbancore, and services while proposinga unique, innovative solution to thehousing affordability crisis. Community gardens, arts andcrafts, farmer’s markets, andbook festivals will ensure ongoingcommunity celebration. City of Austin will be providingadditional units per their goalof 135,000 new units by 2027,contributing to the 60% targeted toincome-restricted families. Proposed project is scaled respectfullyto single-family neighbors. CommunityGarden and Green Areas dedication willpromote community gatherings. Community services and retail usesat the ground level to increaseinteractions and healthy activitiesfor the community. Services could beincreased per neighborhood needs.Example: childcare facility, grocerystore, medical clinic, etc. Recognition to AISD for the innovativemodel while integrating educationalinternships (CTE services provided).AISD to continue aligning witheducational performance goals. AISD to lead in national recognitionwhile addressing one of the mostimportant crises in planning andurban development. Public Private Partnership opportunityto further development of housingprovision options while advancingurban economic development. AISD and School workforce will bebrought to the decision-makingprocess to achieve affordability goals.Additionally, this proposal also recognizesa few benefits and opportunities for AustinIndependent School District:AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESIJULIO CARRILLOI6

View of Downtown Skyline from SiteAUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESAUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESIJULIO CARRILLOI7

AUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESJulio CarrilloSENIOR PLANNERJulio Carrillo is a Senior Planner & Managerwith Parkhill’s Landscape Architecture& Planning Sector. With over 15 years ofexperience, he has managed and directedprojects ranging from architecture andgreen building consulting to urbandesign and community planning. Throughhis diverse knowledge of residential,multifamily, corporate office, educational,institutional, municipal, and neighborhooddesign, Julio builds communities, not onlyprojects. As a manager, Julio balancesthe abilities of diverse project teams andconsultants with the Clients’ expectationsto create relevant solutions and supportour communities in their vision for thefuture. He also fosters a passion forsustainability – a passion he puts intoaction. Julio co-founded and directedPeru’s Green Building Council, and heis a LEED Accredited Professional. As aCertified Planner (AICP) and LicensedArchitect (in Peru), Julio’s experience andexpertise goes beyond borders. He hasalso served on the Pedestrian AdvisoryCouncil in Austin, Texas, and his work andcommentary have been recognized onnational television in the United Statesand Peru. He is professionally affiliatedwith the World Green Building Council, theUS Green Building Council, and the UrbanLand Institute in Austin, who recognizedhis urban design practice with an UrbanDesign Award in ity of Texas at AustinMaster of Science, Community andRegional PlanningUniversidad Peruana de Ciencias AplicadasMaster of Science, Real EstateProject ManagementBachelor of Architecture,Architecture and UrbanismREGISTRATIONAICP Certified PlannerLEED Accredited ProfessionalAUSTIN ISD – REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITESIJULIO CARRILLOI8

back outside cover #1 Parkhill.com

AISD could target the provision of affordable housing for its teachers and the ECODIS population as well as support programs and services for the economically disadvantaged population within the area of influence of these sites. AUSTIN ISD - REPURPOSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITES. Site 02 - Brooke Elementary.