New residence hall coming to UTRGV after 20 years

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Construction for a new residence and dining hall at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will begin this summer.

The new residence hall was approved Thursday by the UT System Board of Regents and will be the first on the Edinburg campus in 20 years, according to the institution.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey says the new residence hall will meet increasing demands for campus living in Edinburg and Brownsville.

"This project not only resolves immediate living-space shortages, but also prepares us for further enrollment growth,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey.

Courtesy of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Currently, residence halls in Edinburg have reached 100% capacity. The Brownsville campus is at 84% capacity.

The complex will include a five-story residence hall with 550 beds, a dining hall with a capacity of 500, retail shop and a full-time kitchen with a Mongolian grill station for university events.

“We are excited to provide our students with another great opportunity that enables them to stay and thrive in the Rio Grande Valley," Bailey said.

The $135.5 million project will be located on the intersection of North Sugar Road and West Van Week Street.

Construction is slated to begin in July with completion by early 2027.