UIW Expands Footprint at Brooks
University Takes Next Step Towards Major South Side Medical Service Area
San Antonio – The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has taken the next step toward the establishment of a major medical campus in the traditionally medically underserved community on the South Side of San Antonio. The University announced it has purchased four buildings on the Brooks Campus that are the current home of the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine. The University also purchased three additional adjacent buildings to facilitate the expansion of the University’s other health professions programs which are currently located in various parts of the city.
“As we look forward to the future, the acquisition of these seven buildings is a major step forward both in our long-term plans for UIW and our service to San Antonio,” said University President Thomas M. Evans, PhD. “This is a move truly inspired by our founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who continually look for ways to serve the underserved and improve the health and well-being of all. We live that mission and we believe the continued economic growth of San Antonio’s South Side is well worth the investment.”
“Just as UIW's Broadway campus is steeped in sacred history, Brooks is as well,” says Dr. Robyn Phillips-Madson, dean, UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine. “To be located at the former US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine which was dedicated by JFK the day before his assassination, and where so many flight surgeons were trained, and space and medical related discoveries took place, is an honor. To partner with the Brooks Development team and all of the people and businesses who work, live, play and learn in this dynamic part of San Antonio is a privilege. And to serve this vibrant and deserving community is a blessing.”
The expansion means that UIW will now occupy seven buildings covering 23.5 acres at Brooks totaling 265,000 square feet of building space. This acquisition of land and buildings solidifies the importance of the UIW Brooks Campus as a fundamental piece of the University’s long-term Campus Master Plan. Furthermore, it continues to strengthen the UIW commitment to the underserved South Side of San Antonio, again elevating UIW ministries of education and health care to the next level.
The purchase of the Brooks property comes just over a year since UIW purchased the historic 10-acre landmark building and property at 4119 Broadway which is now known as Founders Hall. Meanwhile, the University continues to move forward with the Campus Master Plan that includes the redevelopment and renovation of buildings on the Broadway Campus starting with the Township Apartments which are set to open this month and the historic Dubuis Residence Hall, which will reopen for students in the Fall of 2021.