The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) of Austin, Texas is getting an artistic new addition thanks to a design from Trahan Architects.

The New York and New Orleans-based firm was selected to envision a new performing arts space for the center, which will come in the form of two dueling 200- and 400-seat theaters housed within a singular structure on the AARC’s campus in northeast Austin.

Trahan’s design places the arts space next to the existing AARC facility on a 15-acre site at the nexus of Cameron Road and Clear Creek Drive. 

“[We] feel privileged to be working on such an important cultural project which will enrich the lives of the Asian American community members in Austin and its surrounding areas,” Managing Principal Kevin Thomas said in a statement. “The firm is well-positioned to do this meaningful work by approaching the design to ensure diverse communities are supported and connected with a project that will be accessible and inclusive to all.”

The area is home to more than 80,000 people who identify as AAPI, representing the city’s fastest-growing demographic. As such, the center will create much-needed creative space for belonging Austin’s AAPI community at a pivotal time when expression and celebrations of diversity are still very much in need of being elevated.

According to the city, construction will begin sometime in the spring of 2023 with a completion expected in the summer of 2024. The project is being funded in part by a $5 million bond measure and pro bono design input from within the community. 

Archinect will share initial designs and project details as they become available.