A $500,000 Moody Foundation grant will continue to support Laredo College’s restoration and preservation of the Ft. McIntosh Historical District buildings. That effort will create additional space for classrooms, administrative offices and student service areas.
“We are deeply grateful to the Moody Foundation for its investment in Laredo College and its commitment to preserving the rich history of Ft. McIntosh,” LC President Dr. Minita Ramírez said. “This support allows us to honor our past while creating opportunities for future generations of students and visitors. The restoration of these historic buildings is about more than preserving structures; it is about preserving a legacy, expanding educational opportunities and ensuring our students have access to learning environments that inspire success and strengthen our community for years to come.”
As part of the LC Campus Facilities Improvement Plan, the Moody funds will focus on the restoration the Ft. McIntosh Officer’s Quarters P-10 and P-11, both early 1900s buildings that will undergo structural rehabilitation, historic exterior restoration, interior modernization, electrical, plumbing and HVAC upgrades, and ADA accessibility.
“The Moody Foundation’s support represents far more than a financial contribution. It is an investment in educational opportunity, historic preservation, and the future of the communities we serve,” LC Director of Grants Gabriel Lozano said. “We are honored by their confidence in Laredo College’s vision and mission.”
While historic preservation remains a central component of the project, the primary beneficiaries are the more than 11,000 students who attend Laredo College each semester.
Serving Webb, Jim Hogg and Zapata counties, Laredo College provides affordable access to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, workforce training, technical certificates, adult education, and English language acquisition programs. The institution serves a predominantly Hispanic student population, many whom are first-generation college students balancing academics with work and family responsibilities.
The project also reflects Laredo College’s broader role as an economic and educational engine for the region. By preserving and modernizing campus infrastructure, the college can continue meeting the growing workforce and educational needs of South Texas while maintaining its position as the region’s pioneering public higher education institution.
The Moody Foundation’s investment safeguards a nationally significant historic site and also strengthens educational access, workforce readiness and community engagement for generations to come.
