Wink - Loving ISD Recreation Center Renovations

The Wink - Loving ISD Recreation Center Renovations project involves an 86,108 sq ft renovation and addition at 400 Wildcat Drive in Wink, Texas. This massive undertaking includes the construction of an auxiliary gym, new locker rooms, office spaces, and support areas. The work also covers the renovation of the existing weight room, natatorium, and double-gym. With an estimated cost of $45,000,000, the project represents a significant investment in local recreational infrastructure. The construction is scheduled to finish in July 2027, with work starting in November 2025.

Project Scope and Design

Wink-Loving ISD serves as the owner of record for this facility upgrade. The design firm of record is WRA Architects, which has registered six other projects with TDLR totaling over $24 million. The registered accessibility specialist for this specific filing is Peter Walper. The scope explicitly details the expansion of athletic and support facilities, aiming to enhance the capabilities of the existing recreation center. The project was registered with TDLR in October 2025, and plan review was completed in the same month. This confirms the regulatory framework is established before physical construction begins.

Cost and County Context

The estimated cost of $45,000,000 places this project well above the median estimated cost for renovation and alteration filings in Winkler County, which stands at $631,630. The cost per square foot is $523, significantly higher than the county median of $31 per square foot. This disparity reflects the specialized nature of the work, including pool renovation and large-scale gymnasium construction. The scheduled build window of 620 days is longer than the county median of 377 days for similar filings. Wink-Loving ISD has six other TDLR-registered projects in the area, totaling $20,400,000, all of which have completed review.

The project involves public funds and public land, indicating a commitment to community resources. The area profile for ZIP code 79789 shows a population of about 1,380, with a median household income of $127,898. The median owner-occupied home value is $141,400. The Winkler County unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in July 2026, higher than a year earlier. This large-scale renovation is set to become a major landmark in the community, providing modernized facilities for students and residents alike. The completion target remains firm with the July 2027 finish date.