Lawrence Group is celebrating the completion of Austin Regional Clinic's (ARC) new freestanding specialty clinic, ARC South Specialty, which officially opened June 1 at 708 W. Ben White Blvd. in Austin, Texas.

The 63,000-square-foot, two-story facility was designed by Lawrence Group to accommodate a comprehensive range of specialty, primary and surgical care services in a single location. Services include dermatology, medical aesthetics, neurology, podiatry, rheumatology and infusion therapy, allergy and asthma care, audiology, cardiology, ear, nose and throat, general surgery, orthopedics, and sports and musculoskeletal medicine.

Expanding Access to Comprehensive Care

The first floor includes 45 exam rooms and six treatment rooms, while the second level features 68 exam rooms and four treatment rooms. The facility also includes laboratory and radiology services, cardiology labs, and space for ARC Surgery Center South, ARC's second outpatient surgery center, which is expected to open this summer.

ARC South Specialty is ARC's 37th clinic in Central Texas. It joins ARC Greenlawn Specialty, which opened in Round Rock in January. ARC's first outpatient surgery center, ARC Surgery Center North, is also expected to open soon at ARC Greenlawn Specialty.

"The opening of ARC South Specialty as part of ARC South Medical Campus is an important milestone for ARC, offering patients in South Austin access to more specialty, primary and surgical care in one centralized location," said Anas Daghestani, M.D., president and CEO of ARC. "The clinic furthers ARC's mission to meet the growing need for coordinated, comprehensive and accessible health care in South Austin and beyond."

Designed for Flexibility and Sustainability

Lawrence Group began the project in June 2024 with a detailed feasibility study of existing buildings on the site, evaluating programmatic and infrastructure conditions. The study ultimately led ARC administrators to pursue new construction rather than a more costly adaptive reuse approach.

"Lawrence Group played a pivotal role in tailoring the building's spaces to meet ARC's precise requirements while adhering to city and state regulations," said Luma Jaffar, AIA, RIBA, LEED BD+C, managing principal of Lawrence Group's Austin office. "The subsequent design phase encompassed site improvements and the construction of a flexible building that can accommodate a multitude of medical uses."

The facility's patient-centered design incorporates locally sourced materials, including limestone veneer and dark metal panels that reflect ARC's community-focused values. Wood paneling throughout the interior creates a warm and welcoming environment for patients and staff.

The project was designed with the goal of achieving a three-star Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) rating through the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems and extensive daylighting.

"Working with Lawrence Group has been an outstanding experience," said Darlene Guynes, MHA, senior director of operations for ARC. "They listened to our needs and concerns, designed a building that supports our growth and long-term vision, and guided us through the complex process of designing our first Ambulatory Surgery Center at our South Austin location. Throughout the project, they kept us informed and helped us make the right decisions. Lawrence Group is a trustworthy firm that delivered not only an exceptional project but also an exceptional design. Their managing principal, Luma Jaffar, has been a trusted partner for many years."

Rogers-O'Brien Construction served as general contractor for the project.