East Austin high school wins national design award

Eastside Early College High School in east Austin won a national design award for its innovative architecture that reflects the complex history of desegregation. The $80 million facility, funded by a 2017 Austin ISD bond, is constructed on the site of the former L. C. Anderson High School, which was Austin's only Black high school until its closure in 1971. Perkins and Will, the architecture firm responsible for the design, aimed for a sustainable and inclusive environment, incorporating elements of the original school into the new structure.

The design team consulted with Anderson alumni to capture the historical significance of the site, addressing the impact of the former school's closure on the community. Angela Whitaker-Williams, managing principal at Perkins and Will, noted the challenge of balancing historical reflection with future aspirations. The new campus, now a four-story, 173,000-square-foot building, offers advanced classes such as health science and engineering. The student body is diverse, with 77% Hispanic and 18% Black students. The design honors the rich African American history of the site while providing modern educational opportunities.