Samano in Brownsville, TX

The Samano Building at 1158 E Elizabeth St in Brownsville passed its final TDLR accessibility inspection in July 2025, confirming that the construction phase is complete. This $10,000,000 renovation project spans 30,875 sq ft and represents a significant adaptive re-use effort within the Mitte Cultural District of Cameron County.

The scope of work involves transforming the historic structure into a mixed-use development. The filing specifies the creation of studio apartments, a coffee shop, office spaces, and a grocery store. This project is registered with TDLR under the name Samano Building, with Samano Housing, LP listed as the owner of record. The work was classified as a renovation or alteration, distinct from new construction, and involved public funds or public land.

Design and Construction Timeline

BuildingcommunityWORKSHOP served as the design firm of record for this project. The registered accessibility specialist was Fred Dwain Cawyer. The project was registered with TDLR in July 2021, with construction starting in October 2021. The scheduled completion date on the filing was July 2025, aligning with the inspection completion status. The estimated cost of $10,000,000 translates to $324 per square foot.

This project’s scale places it in the top quarter of estimated costs among 1,183 renovation and alteration filings in Cameron County. The median estimated cost for similar projects in the county is $250,000, while the median size is 3,800 sq ft. The Samano project’s 1,399-day build window is longer than the county median of 121 days. The design firm has four other TDLR-registered projects, totaling $16,671,810, including Casitas Lantana in Brownsville.

Third-party sources provide additional context on the project's intent. Local coverage from KRGV reported that the renovations were nearly complete and highlighted the inclusion of 40 affordable housing apartments and a grocery store. The design firm’s website listed the project timeline as 2020 to 2025, emphasizing the collaborative effort with cdcb come dream. come build.

The surrounding area includes businesses such as Las Cazuelitas, the Historic Brownsville Museum, and United Way of Southern Cameron County. Census estimates for ZIP code 78520 indicate a population of about 63,337 and a median household income of $47,331. The project’s completion status is verified by the TDLR inspection record, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards prior to the building's intended use.