After scouting around for a suitable location along the U.S.-Mexico border for a new hotel, a Dallas-based developer chose Harlingen. 

But it’s not the first time King Scovell, managing partner and chief development officer of Woodbine Development Corporation, has visited the Rio Grande Valley. 

He grew up visiting South Padre Island, which meant he often drove past the Cameron County city. He even married a woman from the Valley, and they have four children. 

“We did, really, a nationwide feasibility study on which markets are best for us for economy extended stay,” Scovell said. “Really, what was highlighted was towns across South Texas along the border, of which we had a few identified. Ultimately, we landed on Harlingen.”