A first-of-its-kind facility for public schools in Texas, the Holdsworth Center serves as a retreat for public educators, supporting reflection and dialogue. On the shores of the state capital’s Lake Austin, the 44-acre, $200 million leadership-development center includes 15 buildings of 173,000 square feet, while also connecting users with the native landscape.
Lake|Flato’s design was informed by the belief that teachers deserve a healthy setting that supports connection and growth for their professional development and for the next generation’s benefit. Holdsworth Center, which opened in 2021, “was built as a gift for hardworking educators who deserve world-class professional development opportunities that rival what CEOs and business executives experience,” according to a statement by Lake|Flato.
With building views focusing on the lake, the project brings together landscape and buildings with state-of-the-art classrooms, a 300-person lecture space, an open-air amphitheater, walking trails and recreation areas, 186 rooms for overnight stays, and a two-story dock classroom. Parking is placed near the main entry, encouraging visitors to walk among the various trails, buildings, and central commons. To promote health and wellness, 84% of the site is dedicated to open spaces that also support water, wildlife, and ecological conservation. Throughout the campus, deep overhangs and shaded porches evoke traditional Texas lake houses.
When not used by educators, the Holdsworth Center serves as a private event and meeting space for rent, with proceeds supporting the Center’s mission.
On the Building Team:
Owner: The Holdsworth Center (owner), Square One (owner’s representative)
Design architect: Lake|Flato Architects
Architect of record: Lake|Flato Architects
Interior designer: Looney & Associates
Landscape architect: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
MEP engineer: Integral Group
Structural engineer: Architectural Engineers Collaborative
General contractor/construction manager: The Beck Group
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 K-12 School Sector Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. K-12 school facilities sector
AECOM, Gilbane, and PBK head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest K-12 school facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Education Facilities | Nov 9, 2020
AIA honors cutting-edge designs with 2020 Education Facility Design Award
Recipients’ designs enhance student learning experiences.
K-12 Schools | Oct 23, 2020
K-12 sector adjusting to ‘new priorities’
Health and safety now rank with security for design and construction criteria.
Libraries | Sep 25, 2020
Major renovation to Providence’s downtown library is completed
The $29 million project adds light and collaborative space to a 67-year-old wing.
Airports | Sep 10, 2020
The Weekly show: Curtis Fentress, FAIA, on airport design, and how P3s are keeping university projects alive
The September 10 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020
A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education
Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.
Laboratories | Jul 24, 2020
Customized labs give universities a recruiting edge
CO Architects is among a handful of firms that caters to this trend.
Education Facilities | Jul 16, 2020
Kennedy Middle School’s new Administration/Family Center
HED designed the project.
