Funding type
This project involves public funds, public land, or is a Federally funded roadway project.
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley
719 S Mile 1 E, Mercedes, TX, 78570
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley is a additions to existing building project at 719 S Mile 1 E, 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 52,860 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
- 52,860 ft²
About this figure
Square footage reported for this scope of work. It may cover only part of a larger property.
- Estimated cost / ft²
- $4/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
Mercedes Academic Academy is undergoing an expansion of its outdoor learning environment at 719 S Mile 1 E in Mercedes, Texas. The project, filed under the name Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley, involves additions to the existing 52,860 sq ft building structure. The scope focuses on creating a nature learning space, installing trails, and adding exterior furniture, plantings, trees, and irrigation systems. This work is funded by public funds and registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
The construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with a completion date targeted for April 2027. The total estimated cost for this phase of development is $233,000. This figure places the project below the median estimated cost of $300,000 for similar additions to existing buildings in Hidalgo County. The cost per square foot is calculated at $4, which is significantly below the county median of $103 per square foot for this type of filing.
Design and Ownership
Mercedes Independent School District is the owner of record for this project. The design firm of record is Studio Outside, which has registered six other similar projects totaling $1,398,000 in the region. These include facilities in Mercedes and Donna, such as Sgt. William G. Harrell Elementary and A.M. Ochoa Primary Science & Sports Academy. Ross A Thomas is the registered accessibility specialist associated with this filing. The project was registered with TDLR in September 2026, and plan review is pending.
The scheduled build window for this project is 212 days, which is longer than the county median of 153 days for comparable additions. This extended timeline may reflect the specific requirements for landscaping and trail installation. The project is one of five other TDLR-registered projects by Mercedes Independent School District, each with an estimated cost of $233,000. These projects are located at various schools within the district, including Mercedes High School and Ruben Hinojosa Elementary School.
The area surrounding the school has a population of about 33,596 residents according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates for ZIP 78570. The median household income in this area is $39,890, and the median owner-occupied home value is $83,400. Housing in this ZIP code is predominantly owner-occupied. The Hidalgo County unemployment rate was 6.8 percent in July 2026, higher than a year earlier. These economic factors provide context for the local construction market and labor availability during the project's execution period.
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 719 S Mile 1 E, Mercedes, TX 78570 in Mercedes, Texas. The project has an estimated value of $233K covering 52,860 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 estimated cost of the Mercedes Academic Academy project?
The estimated cost for the additions to the existing building is $233,000. This amount is below the median estimated cost of $300,000 for similar projects in Hidalgo County.
Who is the design firm for this project?
Studio Outside is the design firm of record. They have registered six other similar projects in the region, including facilities in Mercedes and Donna.
When is the project targeted for completion?
The project is targeted for April 2027. Construction is scheduled to start in September 2026, with a build window of 212 days.
What specific work is included in the scope?
The scope includes plantings, trees, irrigation, exterior furniture, trails, a nature learning space, and signage. This work is an addition to the existing 52,860 sq ft building.
Is the business open?
The TDLR record indicates the project is registered and plan review is pending. It does not state that the facility is open or operating.
What is Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley?
Cool Schools Rio Grande Valley is a additions to existing building project at 719 S Mile 1 E 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 719 S Mile 1 E, 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 52,860 square feet (about $4/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
719 S Mile 1 E, Mercedes, TX, 78570
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