Mitigation, Assistance, Resiliency & Recovery Center (M.A.R.R.C.) in Riviera, TX

The Riviera Volunteer Fire Station at 104 N. 7th Street in Riviera, Texas, is undergoing a significant renovation funded by Kleberg County. The project, filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in October 2025, involves the alteration of an 8,698-square-foot facility with an estimated cost of $1,300,000. This scope of work includes the replacement of the existing roofing, windows, and doors, along with comprehensive interior updates to restrooms and break areas. New flooring, ceilings, and light fixtures are also part of the plan, as is the repainting of the entire facility.

Project Scope and Financial Context

International Consulting Engineers serves as the design firm of record for this project. The estimated cost of $149 per square foot places this renovation above the county median of $64 per square foot for similar work in Kleberg County. The scheduled build window of 180 days is also longer than the county median of 102 days for renovation and alteration projects.

Kleberg County has registered four other projects with TDLR, including the Baffin Bay Fire Station and improvements to the Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park. International Consulting Engineers has also been involved in six other projects across the region, with a combined value of $19,925,000. The Riviera site is situated in a community with a population of approximately 1,800, where the median household income is $72,625 according to U.S. Census estimates for the 78379 ZIP code.

TDLR completed the plan review in October 2026, and construction was scheduled to finish in May 2026. However, TDLR has not yet recorded a final inspection, so the current state of the site is not confirmed in the public record. The registered accessibility specialist for this project is Jonathan Eric Rivera. The project involves public funds and public land, ensuring that the facility meets the necessary standards for public use and safety.

Local Impact and Community Context

The renovation of the Riviera Volunteer Fire Station is part of a broader effort by Kleberg County to maintain and improve its emergency services infrastructure. The facility is located near other local services, including a Dollar General store, the Riviera Telephone Company, and the United States Postal Service. The Kleberg County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 and the Precinct 3 Constable's Office are also in the vicinity, highlighting the area's focus on public safety and community support.

With the project's completion date having passed, the lack of a final inspection record leaves the status of the facility in a state of uncertainty. Residents and stakeholders in Riviera will likely await further updates from TDLR to confirm the project's completion and the readiness of the fire station for service. The investment in this facility reflects the county's commitment to providing reliable emergency services to its residents.