Austin Community College District (ACC) has reached a major milestone in the Hays Campus expansion, with the Hays 5000 Phase 3 project now officially halfway through the Design Development stage.
The project includes Building 5000 and a new Central Utility Plant that will support the continued growth of the campus and expanded health care programming in ACC’s south region. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with the facility expected to open for the fall 2028 semester.
Collaborative Design: In January, the project design was 50% complete. The College will continue to host collaborative reviews with teams from IT, the Teaching & Learning Excellence Division, facilities, and academic departments to ensure the space meets all functional needs.
Faculty Engagement: In February, campus planning teams—alongside academic leads—will meet with faculty to present the specific office suite plans for Building 5000.
Inclusive Facilities: In a commitment to inclusivity and a new design approach to satisfy Senate Bill 8, this project will feature all-individual and ADA-accessible restrooms. Each private restroom will be equipped with its own sink and water closet, moving away from traditional communal designations to prioritize privacy and accessibility.
Budget Management: By mid-February, the project team will conduct a thorough budget review. ACC, design partners, and the contractors are collaborating closely to optimize costs and ensure the project remains a high-quality, fiscally responsible investment for the College.
Sustainability & Stewardship: In alignment with ACC’s commitment to environmental leadership, the Hays 5000 expansion is being designed to meet a minimum of LEED Silver certification standards. By focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable materials, we are ensuring this project contributes to ACC’s sustainability goals.
The Hays Campus expansion is funded through the 2022 General Obligation Bond and will help ACC serve more than 900 additional students while strengthening workforce pipelines in high-demand healthcare fields. A groundbreaking is expected this summer.
For continued updates on bond-funded projects across the district, visit austincc.edu/bond.