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University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, School of Medicine Institute of Neurosciences

Project Details

Client: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Architect: Alta Architects

Location: Harlingen, TX

Delivery: Construction Manager-at-Risk

Status: Completed

Project Overview

This two-story facility supports the medical school program which provides a forward-thinking medical education experience for future neurologists, psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and other medical professionals. The building houses dry research labs, clinical space, core imaging, and the high-powered SIGNA Architect MRI equipment, which is the most advanced MRI equipment in South Texas. It also includes a diagnostic center with state-of-the art medical imaging equipment for the treatment of numerous neuropsychiatric and aging disorders in the historically underserved Rio Grande Valley population.

Unique Challenge

While erecting the building’s structural steel, we discovered the MRI equipment necessitated additional electrical capacity. We proposed running 1,000 LF of additional underground raceways from the electrical room on the building’s east elevation, around the footprint of the building, and into the MRI equipment room on the building’s west elevation. This solution ensured sufficient power supply, eliminated costs associated with demolishing concrete slab, and isolated work activities outside the building.