City of McAllen
Quinta Mazatlan Center for Urban Ecology
Owner: City of McAllen
Architect of Record: Megamorphosis
Design Architect: Overland Partners
Landscape Architect: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
The Rio Grande Valley is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America, and the City of McAllen has cultivated Quinta Mazatlan into an eco-tourism destination. The new Center for Urban Ecology (CUE) builds on that legacy, expanding the existing Quinta Mazatlan campus by nearly 13 acres and creating an immersive experience that introduces visitors to the landscapes, wildlife and ecosystems that make the region unique.
Constructed by the SpawGlass-South Texas team in partnership with Overland Partners and Megamorphosis, the CUE supports the City of McAllen’s investment in environmental education and conservation. Quinta Mazatlan is one of nine World Birding Center sites, centered around a historic Spanish Revival mansion and dedicated to protecting native habitats while connecting visitors with the natural beauty of the Rio Grande Valley. The campus lies along one of North America’s major migratory bird flyways, providing important stopover and overwintering habitat for hundreds of bird species each year.
At the heart of the expansion is the two-level 15,150-square-foot CUE building. The facility includes indoor classrooms, administrative offices, a gift shop and the 250-seat Palm Room, a ballroom with an adjoining catering kitchen. These spaces support educational partnerships with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), local schools and community organizations while providing a gathering space for large events. A Rio Grande-inspired stream flows through the grounds, guiding guests through an interactive exploration of sensory gardens, natural playscapes and shady picnic areas called palapas. Dedicated ecological restoration areas and educational signage teach visitors about different plant types and the importance of preserving local flora.
Towering above the building is the CUE’s landmark feature – a three-part superstructure constructed from more than 370 tons of corten steel, with the largest section spanning more than 230 feet. Affectionately named “Wings Over the Valley,” the superstructure’s design was inspired by the shape and function of a forest canopy. Climbing vegetation will eventually envelop the framework, creating shade and providing a resting habitat for migratory birds.
Months of planning preceded the arrival of the superstructure’s first steel piece. The team constructed the concrete foundations, then coordinated every phase of installation down to the precise placement of each anchor bolt. Individual steel pieces were rolled and bent in Houston before being shipped to local trade partner Palmer Steel for offsite fabrication. Multiple mockups verified alignment and constructability before each section was sequenced for installation, ensuring the finished superstructure matched the architect’s design intent.
The project was an exercise in teamwork on the jobsite and across regions. The SpawGlass-San Antonio Building Services team lent their expertise to fabricate a series of arched steel structures, creating a walk-through tunnel to welcome guests along the path from the parking area to the CUE’s main entrance. The South Texas team also self-performed concrete work and installation of specialty signage, shading structures, playground equipment and wood framing for the outdoor palapas.
When the CUE opens to the public in fall 2026, it will give visitors new opportunities to experience the Rio Grande Valley’s unique natural environment. For the SpawGlass team, it was a privilege to construct a truly one-of-a-kind project, helping the City of McAllen expand a destination that encourages environmental stewardship of Texas’ most remarkable ecosystems.