Ian Juarez BROWNSVILLE – The new Brownsville Visual Arts Facility’s construction has been delayed until next year, according to the School of Fine Arts Dean Jeffery Ward.
In May 2024, UTRGV purchased the former Longoria Elementary to turn it into a new visual arts facility near the Brownsville campus.
Ward shared how the visual arts building was originally set for completion by December, but due to a change in general contractors it was delayed until June 2026.
“And the delay is we had to find a new general contractor. So, we had to go through the bidding process, and we found one.” Ward said.
UTRGV Chief Real Estate and Space Management Officer Marco Saenz shared a document from the February 2024 Board of Regents meeting showing an approximate budget of 34 million for the visual arts project renovations.
We have attempted to contact UTRGV Planning and Construction to ask if the Budget has been impacted by the new contractor or the delay, but as of today we have not received any information.
Ward said how the New Visual Arts Building will benefit students, especially those in Brownsville.
“The buildings are being, you know, purpose driven, purpose-driven renovations so that they will be designed for art.” Ward said.
Ward explained what unique benefits Brownsville students may have going forward.
”It is also an opportunity for our Brownsville students to be able to complete their art degrees, in person, without having to travel,” Ward said. “It’s about a half mile from the student union so they’ll be places for students to eat between the student union and the new complex, there’s a big parking lot, so parking is not going to be an issue.”
Ward expressed his excitement for the day the facility opens to the public.
“I’m so excited for the first day of class when our students are coming on to the to the new facility for the first time. They’re going to be amazed at what it looks like and, for generations to come,” Ward said.
Ward said any Visual Arts students who were expected to have classes at the new facility will have their classes held in Edinburg or online until renovations are complete.
UTRGV is currently conducting faculty searches for the Fall 2026 opening of the facility.
