University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

School of Medicine

After the inception of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, there are now more than 200 medical students and over 200 medical residents and fellows serving nine training programs. Due to the success of the program, there was an immediate need for additional clinic training space. There is still program growth at a rapid pace.

In response to the growth of the program, UTRGV SOM purchased an existing retail strip center at the corners of Jackson and Lindsay in Edinburg,Texas. The intent of the purchase of this existing building was to provide 5 new clinics in one location. This location was to be the home of a new vision clinic, OBGYN clinic, primary care and night clinic, an ear, nose and throat clinic, and an orthopedic clinic. The reuse of the existing building saved a significant amount of time and costs during construction.

This old retail strip center had sat abandoned and open to the elements for nearly a decade. The roof leaked and there were poor flashing details that lead to extensive water infiltration inside the building. The tall portion of metal roof structure was insufficiently designed and poorly constructed. Portions of the exterior skin had even begun to fall off. Woodpecker damage to existing stucco moldings were also allowing water inside the building.