Thursday, May 21, 2026
  Community, Health

By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 21, 2026 – The University of Texas System Board of Regents has officially approved the design development plans and a $42.3 million funding package to transform a former Harlingen retail center into a state-of-the-art academic facility for the UTRGV Departments of Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Greenlit during the Board of Regents meeting on Thursday, the major infrastructure project will undergo a massive renovation to create a modern, 55,430-gross-square-foot multidisciplinary learning hub.

The $42.3 million investment will be backed heavily by $33.7 million from the Permanent University Fund (PUF) Bond Proceeds, alongside $8.6 million from the Revenue Financing System (RFS) Bond Proceeds to be repaid through local designated funds.

“This significant investment from the UT System Board of Regents marks a pivotal milestone for healthcare education in the Rio Grande Valley,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. “By transforming this space into a world-class learning environment, UTRGV is expanding opportunities for our students while helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve the needs of our communities. This project reflects our continued commitment to student success, health education and the growth of Cameron County and the entire Rio Grande Valley.”

Located in Harlingen at 2222 S. 77 Sunshine Strip, the single-story building will feature highly specialized teaching and research environments tailored to advanced healthcare education. The facility will house:

  • Advanced Research & Anatomy Labs: Wet and dry anatomy labs, alongside dedicated spaces for musculoskeletal, neuro, motion capture, physiology and applied exercise research.
  • Simulation & Specialized Learning: Pediatric and adult activities of daily living research spaces, simulation-based learning environments and an assistive technology lab equipped with driving simulation.
  • Collaborative Student Spaces: A shared therapy gym, flexible classrooms, graduate workrooms, student lounges and quiet study areas designed to foster multidisciplinary collaboration.
  • Administrative Infrastructure: Faculty and administrative offices, workstations, conference rooms and essential departmental support spaces.

The design of the facility focuses heavily on shared community spaces to encourage integration and collaborative learning across both the physical and occupational therapy programs.

The project is expected to be completed in spring 2027. 



ABOUT UTRGV

Celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is on a mission to serve the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique education dedicated to student access and success. As one of the country’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia-certified university, UTRGV has earned national recognition for its academic excellence, social mobility, and student success since opening in fall 2015. Ranked among the Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars in 2025 by Washington Monthly (No. 7 nationally; No. 1 in Texas), UTRGV continues to break enrollment records, launch new academic and athletics programs, and progress toward achieving R1 research status. Additionally, UTRGV holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded in 2020 and 2025, reflecting its commitment to strengthening community ties and addressing local challenges.

The only university in Texas with schools of Medicine and Podiatric Medicine, UTRGV’s regional footprint spans South Texas — with locations, teaching sites, and centers established in Edinburg, Brownsville, Rio Grande City, McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, Laredo, Port Isabel and South Padre Island.