Transformation of Longoria Elementary into Visual Arts Complex

Brownsville, August 22, 2025

News Summary

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is repurposing the closed Longoria Elementary School into the Brownsville Visual Arts Complex. With a budget of $39 million, this initiative aims to expand UTRGV’s artistic influence in the region. Renovations will enhance 43,000 square feet across 14 buildings and include the addition of two new ones. The project, expected to commence in late September, reflects the university’s commitment to fostering cultural growth in the Brownsville community and is part of a broader investment strategy.

Brownsville Set to Shine with New Visual Arts Complex

Brownsville, are you ready for some exciting news? The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is ready to transform an old elementary school into something truly extraordinary! The Longoria Elementary School, which hasn’t seen students since its closure in 2019, is getting a major makeover. UTRGV is putting $39 million on the table to convert this once-bustling institution into the Brownsville Visual Arts Complex.

So, what’s the deal? UTRGV is committed to expanding its reach in Brownsville and the surrounding Cameron County region. The former elementary school, which is located at 240 E. Van Buren St., spans a generous 4.24 acres. It’s a perfect spot for the new complex that will become the permanent home for UTRGV’s School of Art and Design.

What to Expect from the Renovation

What does the renovation entail? Well, excitingly, there’s a lot in store! The plans include improving roughly 43,000 square feet of existing interior spaces across 14 different buildings and adding two brand new ones. UTRGV officials are gearing up to kick off the renovation work around late September. While we know everyone is already looking ahead, the completion date for this monumental project is projected for sometime next year.

Before the hard hats get to work, there’s a bit of bureaucracy to get through. The UTRGV Board of Regents needs to approve a planned investment of $33.8 million for renovations. Everyone’s keeping their fingers crossed that it moves smoothly so the excitement can really begin!

A Growing University

Speaking of excitement, did you know that UTRGV has seen incredible growth since it began accepting students in 2015? The university’s student population has soared to a remarkable 34,000 students, making it the ninth-largest university in Texas. It was formed back in 2013 through the merger of the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg and the University of Texas at Brownsville.

In addition to its main campuses, the university has also branched out with research and teaching sites in several nearby cities including Harlingen, Weslaco, and McAllen. UTRGV has made significant strides in the realm of medical education too, establishing the first medical school in deep South Texas with the UTRGV School of Medicine in 2016, followed by the opening of the School of Podiatric Medicine in 2022.

Commitment to Brownsville

Earlier this year, UTRGV reiterated its dedication to the Brownsville community by signing a memorandum of understanding, ensuring its commitment to investing even more in the city. This investment showcases the university’s desire to uplift the local economy and educational landscape through initiatives like the new visual arts complex.

The plan to purchase Longoria Elementary was officially approved by the University of Texas System Regents back in February 2024, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the community.

Brownsviile, hold on to your hats! With this new visual arts complex on the horizon, the infusion of creativity and culture is sure to bring an exciting energy to the community.

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Additional Resources

• Valley Central: Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts Building to Become Mitte Arts and Cultural Center
• Wikipedia: Brownsville, Texas
• Texas Border Business: Establishing New Mitte Arts and Cultural Center in Brownsville
• Google Search: Brownsville Visual Arts Complex
• Glasstire: City of Brownsville Seeking Partners to Envision New Uses for Former Art Museum
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Brownsville, Texas
• My RGV: UT Approves $60M Projects for UTRGV in Brownsville
• Google News: UTRGV

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