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St. John Encampment Commons — once a heat-trapping parking lot — has been transformed into a thriving green space that honors its deep cultural history while supporting biodiversity and community connection. Featured on Central Texas Gardener, this episode highlights how the site, once home to the historic St. John Encampment, has been reimagined through design and ecological restoration.

With insights from Daniel Woodroffe, President & Founder of dwg., and Cassie Gowan, Design Director, the episode explores how landscape architecture can reshape urban spaces. Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm, Executive Vice Chancellor of Operations and Public Affairs of Austin Community College District (retired), reflects on the park’s role in honoring the past while building a sustainable future.

The full episode airs on May 10, 2025, on Austin PBS. Click through for a preview!

Client — Austin Community College District
Developer — Redleaf Properties
Pavilion sponsor — UFCU
Landscape Architect — dwg.
Architect — Agenda Architecture
Civil Engineer — Stantec | WGI
Structural Engineer — Leap!Structures
MEP Engineer — Bay & Associates
General Contractors — Harvey Cleary Builders | Strata Landscape
Steel Fabrication — Renfrow + Co
Custom Art Lighting — AAG

From Parking Lot to Wildlife Habitat: St. John Encampment Commons on Central Texas Gardener Studio dwg. is honored to be featured on Central Texas Gardener, highlighting the transformation of St. John Encampment Commons — once an expanse of impervious asphalt — into a dynamic public park that supports biodiversity and community connection. The episode features Daniel Woodroffe, Preside...

Designing for a Future That Needs Us More Than Ever.

Inspired by American Society of Landscape Architects's call to action, dwg. stands alongside their mission to shape a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable world. Today we are facing a world that is shifting beneath our feet—politically, environmentally, and socially. Protections for natural and urban landscapes are being rolled back, funding for environmental initiatives is at risk, and communities are grappling with uncertainty. As trust erodes and resilience is tested, the need for purposeful design has never been greater. This is not just an industry challenge— it’s a call to action.

At dwg., we see these shifts as a mandate to design with urgency and intention. Our landscapes are not passive; they actively shape a better future. Whether through ecological restoration, public art, or urban spaces our work and practice is diverse, equitable and inclusive. We create work that does more than exist — it makes an equitable impact and by integrating diverse perspectives, we ensure our work fosters connection and reflects the people they serve.

Inherently our projects represent places of renewal, transformation, and unity. They challenge convention and serve as catalysts for change and models of stewardship. Every project we take on is an opportunity to push boundaries and craft solutions that leave a lasting positive impact — not just on the land, but on the lives it touches.

Looking forward, the challenges ahead will demand bold ideas and fearless creativity. True sustainability means protecting our environment while ensuring shared spaces are accessible and meaningful for all. This moment asks designers, collaborators, and communities to step forward.

At dwg., we’re not just designing landscapes. We’re designing the future.

Are you with us?

https://www.studiodwg.com/news/designing-for-a-future-that-needs-us-more-than-ever

Originally built in the 1930s, the Chalmers Courts public housing complex was in desperate need of updating to meet current building and living standards, as well as to provide modern amenities and additional apartments. Designed to be transformed in three phases, the project encouraged current residents to remain on-site throughout the process, retaining nearly 90% of its residents.

Chalmers Courts is community-focused, providing safe, family-friendly outdoor spaces such as playgrounds, sport courts, grill areas, and multi-purpose lawns. The project transforms a former vehicular road that bisected the property into a pedestrian and bike thoroughfare, further promoting community connectivity and safety.

Modern green infrastructure and sustainable strategies are also introduced to the site, from rain gardens and A/C condensate recovery to the preservation of magnificent heritage trees that provide shady refuge throughout the complex.

Client: Housing Authority of the City of Austin | Carleton
Architect: Nelsen Partners
Landscape Architect: dwg.
Civil Engineer: Dunaway
Photography: Matthew Niemann Photography

Today at the Houston TxA conference, dwg. and Agenda Architecture will present the transformative story of St. John Encampment Commons, from its historic roots as a gathering place for the St. John Baptist Association to its current role as a dynamic public park at Austin Community College’s Highland Campus.

This presentation will explore how a former mall parking lot was thoughtfully redesigned into a 2.4-acre urban green space that honors the rich cultural history of the site while supporting the needs of modern Austin. Attendees will learn about the project’s design process, including its innovative use of adaptive reuse, and how the event pavilion became such a fascinating design challenge and a pivotal moment for the project.

If you’re attending the conference, we encourage you to join us at noon today for a deep dive into how urban spaces can evolve to reflect both historical significance and future community needs. We look forward to sharing the details and vision behind this award-winning project.