Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Purchases Building in Downtown Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – With approval from the Texas A&M University System, the Island University has purchased a five-story building located at 223 N. Chaparral Street in Downtown Corpus Christi.
Downtown Corpus Christi is strategically important to the expansion of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s footprint, as the institution has grown 41% over the past decade. The new building offers the University the ability to more easily connect and interact with people and businesses in the heart of downtown.
“Our historic move into downtown Corpus Christi is more than just brick and mortar – it’s an investment in our city,” said Dr. Kelly Miller Quintanilla, President and CEO of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “It enhances our tradition of partnerships. It aids the economic development in the entire region.”
The 77,000 square foot building, built in 1947, was purchased for $2.3 million – a fraction of the cost of new construction. The building, which is made of poured concrete, has a unique history, and has survived six hurricanes. Some renovations are needed, and the University is in the process of identifying outside sources of funding for those renovations.
Preliminary plans for this building include mixed-use space for public-facing University programs. Thanks to its sturdy construction, the building is also an ideal space for archives, while the rooftop terrace will be used to host events.
“What began as a talk about renting space quickly turned to a passionate discussion about the needs this space could fill for A&M-CC and the opportunities A&M-CC could bring to support a vibrant downtown,” said Quintanilla. “We look forward to being a good neighbor to a community that supports our dedication to graduating the leaders of tomorrow.”
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi extends its thanks to Ernest “Buz” and Janet Maxwell, former owners, for entrusting the Island University to steward the next chapter of this building’s history.
“I am so excited for A&M-Corpus Christi to develop this space,” said Buz Maxwell. “They are going to be a great addition to downtown revitalization. A&M-Corpus Christi will be able to do so much more with the building than we ever dreamed of.”
