Construction to watch: Rio Bank opening in Brownsville, Planet Fitness in San Benito, plus Edinburg animal shelter expansion

There are hundreds of construction projects underway across the Rio Grande Valley so far this year. 

But here are some notable projects the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal is keeping an eye on this month. 

McAllen-based Rio Bank is growing its Brownsville footprint with a second branch location along Sleepy Hollow Road on the city’s north side near Alton Gloor Boulevard and Paredes Line Road. 

The $2.5 million bank branch with a drive-thru is expected to begin construction in August 2026 and wrap up by August 2027. 

There’s a slew of new gas stations and convenience stores on the horizon, from a 7-Eleven in Mercedes along Expressway 83 near Mile 2 road, expected to cost $1.2 million, to a $1.5 million Circle K in Brownsville near Morrison Road just east of Alton Gloor Boulevard, and a new $1.2 million Stripes in Edinburg near Closner and Schunior Street. 

The Palm Valley Animal Society shelter in Edinburg is growing with a $6.5 million expansion that began in June and is expected to be completed by June 2027. 

In San Benito, Planet Fitness is expected to spend $5.6 million on a new gym along U.S. Business 77 near Lovett Road, with construction starting in July 2026 and completion by May 2027.

There’s a $1.5 million industrial warehouse expansion in Brownsville, near Old Port Isabel Road and Ruben Torres Boulevard, that will begin in July 2026 and wrap up by December 2026. 

And there’s a new $10.5 million cold storage warehouse planned in McAllen along Military Highway, dubbed Smart Fresh Warehouse, to begin in August and be completed by July 2027. 

The McAllen International Airport is also spending $1.8 million to upgrade its parking lot infrastructure, a project expected to be completed by September 2026. 

Across the street from the McAllen airport, the Fairfield Inn is being converted and renovated into a Sparks-branded hotel — a $750,000 project.