The Holdsworth Center

The Holdsworth Center demonstrates that “Education Holds Worth” and that educators are deserving of a place where they can grow their skills. Envisioned as a timeless destination that emphasizes a sense of community, the Holdsworth Center is a retreat for public educators that promotes reflection, thought, and dialogue. As a new resource for world class training and leadership development for Texas’ public educators, the campus thoughtfully connects users to the native landscape and neighboring Lake Austin.

The campus sits on 44 acres off the shores of Lake Austin and includes 15 buildings spanning 173,000 square feet. Landscape and buildings come together in world-class amenities that include 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.

Upon arrival, parking is sited towards the main entry to encourage visitors to walk through the campus’ various trails, which weave through the buildings and central commons. Deep overhangs and shaded porches throughout the campus are reminiscent of traditional Texas lake houses. The use of natural materials such as wood and limestone were selected to achieve a timeless design that responds to the context of its place.

For public educators, there’s nothing like this campus in the nation. I hope it sends a message that the work of educators is vitally important, now more than ever. Their jobs are complex and require a great deal of skill and courage. All students deserve access to expert school leaders. Dr. Ruth Simmons

Former President of Prairie View A&M University and Holdsworth Center Founding Board Chair

Hundreds of Texas educators are welcomed to the Holdsworth Center campus each year. The Holdsworth Partnership currently includes 50 school districts across Texas; collectively, those districts serve 730,000 students at 956 campuses and employ 146,000 faculty and staff. By 2028, the Center anticipates serving more than 4,500 leaders through its leadership programs and anticipates serving even more through events and additional program offerings.

Sustainable Campus Setting

The Holdsworth Center’s vision of a sustainable campus has become a reality: 84% of the site is dedicated to beneficial open spaces that support ecological conservation as well as recreation and wellness opportunities. 22 of the site’s 44 acres remain undisturbed. 93% of regularly occupied spaces have quality daylight and views, promoting a healthy, productive indoor environment with plentiful access to the outdoors. Annually, the Center’s design saves 508,543 gallons of water and reduces energy use by 613,299 kWh. The natural landscape was designed to be low-maintenance with irrigation reduced by 90.5%.

The well-being of visitors and employees guided design and material choices. 93% of regularly occupied spaces have quality daylight and views, promoting a healthy, productive, and comfortable indoor environment for building occupants by providing connections to the outdoors.

When not in use by educators, the campus serves as a private event and all-in-one meeting space for rental with proceeds supporting the Center’s mission. The multi-use design of the facilities allows the buildings to cater to a variety of programmatic, climatic, and systematic needs. Especially in the event and educational areas of the campus, reconfigurable furniture and flexible designs allow the rooms to accommodate different and evolving needs over time.

Master Plan

Campus Heart

The Center’s living-learning programming connects visitors to the native landscape and neighboring Lake Austin in a healthy, sustainable campus setting. The center of campus fosters innumerable opportunities for indoor/outdoor connection.

Master Plan

Outdoor Gathering

Building views are oriented towards the lake. Common outdoor spaces including courtyards, event lawns, and an amphitheater encourage users to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape.

Master Plan

Campus Circulation

Physical activity is encouraged on campus with accessible trails and an on-site fitness center. Designed to encourage feelings of health and wellness, 84% of the site is dedicated to beneficial open spaces that also support water, wildlife, and ecological conservation.

Master Plan

Serving the Campus

Service pathways were strategically considered and concentrated along the perimeter to support back of house operations for events. This strategy ensures a density of pedestrian-oriented community spaces are retained in the heart of campus.