Funding type
This project involves public funds, public land, or is a Federally funded roadway project.
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley
2825 N Baseline Rd, Mercedes, TX, 78570
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley is a additions to existing building project at 2825 N Baseline Rd, Mercedes, in Hidalgo County, TX, tracked from its Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) registration. Under construction, estimated completion Apr 2027. The project has an estimated value of $233K across about 71,400 sq ft.
- Estimated project value
- $233K
About this figure
Estimated construction cost supplied in the TDLR filing. This is not a current property appraisal or a final construction invoice.
- Reported floor area
- 71,400 ft²
About this figure
Square footage reported for this scope of work. It may cover only part of a larger property.
- Estimated cost / ft²
- $3/sqft
About this figure
Calculated from this filing’s estimated cost divided by its reported square footage. Available only when both figures are supplied; it is not a market benchmark.
- Scheduled duration
- 7 months
About this figure
The interval between the filed start and completion dates. These dates describe the proposed schedule and do not measure actual construction progress.
The project record
Project timeline
Explore filed milestones and scheduled dates. Open a milestone for its source.
3 timeline dates shown.
Project registered · TDLR filing
Registration of the project with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Source: TDLR filing
View source recordScheduled construction start · Scheduled date
A date supplied in the filing; this does not confirm that work started or finished.
13 days after the preceding date shown.
Source: TDLR filing
View source recordScheduled completion · Scheduled date
A date supplied in the filing; this does not confirm that work started or finished.
212 days after the preceding date shown.
Source: TDLR filing
View source record
📰About Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley
Sgt. William G. Harrell Elementary in Mercedes is undergoing exterior improvements under the Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley initiative. The project involves additions to the existing building structure, specifically focusing on landscape and educational outdoor features. The total estimated cost for this work is $233,000, covering a site area of 71,400 square feet. This results in a calculated cost of $3 per square foot, which is significantly below the county median for similar construction types.
The scope of work includes the installation of plantings, trees, and irrigation systems. It also involves adding exterior furniture, trails, and signage. A key component of the project is the creation of a dedicated nature learning space. These elements are designed to enhance the outdoor environment of the school facility. The work is classified as additions to an existing building rather than new construction.
Project Details and Ownership
Mercedes Independent School District is the owner and developer of record for this project. The design firm of record is Studio Outside, which is responsible for the architectural and landscape planning. The registered accessibility specialist for the filing is Ross A Thomas. The project involves public funds and public land, consistent with its status as a Federally funded roadway or public infrastructure project. It was registered with TDLR in September 2026.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with a completion date targeted for April 2027. This creates a scheduled build window of 212 days. This duration is longer than the county median of 153 days for similar additions to existing buildings. The project is one of several similar filings by Mercedes Independent School District, which has five other TDLR-registered projects in the area, each with an estimated cost of $233,000.
Studio Outside has also registered six other projects in the region, including facilities in Donna and Alamo. All these projects share the same estimated cost figure. The local context for Mercedes, Texas 78570, includes a population of about 33,596 people. The median household income in this ZIP code is estimated at $39,890. The housing stock is predominantly owner-occupied, with a median home value of $83,400.
Regional Construction Context
Hidalgo County unemployment was reported at 6.8 percent in July 2026. This figure is higher than the rate from a year earlier. The construction of this project will utilize local labor resources during the scheduled build period. The project status is Project Registered, with plan review pending. No further construction updates are available beyond the initial registration and scheduled dates.
Project Registered
Project has been registered with TDLR and is in pre-construction phase
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Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley is a Additions to Existing Building project located at 2825 N Baseline Rd, Mercedes, TX 78570 in Mercedes, Texas. The project has an estimated value of $233K covering 71,400 sq ft. Mercedes Independent School District is the property owner and Studio Outside is the design firm of record. The project was registered with TDLR on September 17, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary scope of work for this project?
The work includes plantings, trees, irrigation, exterior furniture, trails, signage, and a nature learning space. It is classified as additions to an existing building at the elementary school.
Who is the design firm for this project?
Studio Outside is the design firm of record. They are responsible for the planning and design of the exterior improvements and nature learning space.
When is the project targeted for completion?
The project is targeted for April 2027. Construction is scheduled to start in September 2026, resulting in a build window of 212 days.
How does the cost compare to other projects in Hidalgo County?
The estimated cost of $233,000 is below the county median of $300,000 for similar additions to existing buildings. The cost per square foot is also below the county median.
Is the school open for construction?
The facts provided only cover construction status. The project is registered and scheduled for completion in April 2027. There is no information regarding school operations during construction.
What is Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley?
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley is a additions to existing building project at 2825 N Baseline Rd in Mercedes, Texas, registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Scope of work: Plantings, Trees, Irrigation, exterior furniture, trails, nature learning space & signage,
Is Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley open in Mercedes?
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley is still under construction in Mercedes, TX, with an estimated completion of Apr 2027 according to its TDLR registration.
Where is Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley located?
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley is located at 2825 N Baseline Rd, Mercedes, TX, 78570, in Hidalgo County.
Who is the owner or developer of Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley?
Mercedes Independent School District is the property owner/developer of record for Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley, per its TDLR project registration.
Who is the architect or design firm for Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley?
Studio Outside is the design firm of record for Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley, according to its TDLR filing.
How much does Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley cost and how big is it?
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley has an estimated construction value of $233K and approximately 71,400 square feet (about $3/sqft), based on its TDLR filing.
Scope of Work
Plantings, Trees, Irrigation, exterior furniture, trails, nature learning space & signage,
Note: This project is registered under the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) program. TDLR registration is required for commercial and public facility construction to ensure compliance with accessibility requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 469.
Location & views
2825 N Baseline Rd, Mercedes, TX, 78570
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Same Owner
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