The University of the Incarnate Word and Brooks City Base have come to an agreement to build a new medical school at the site of the former Air Force installation.
After two years of searching, UIW has decided to use the former U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine for its new School of Osteopathic Medicine. The boards of both UIW and Brooks City Base approved a memorandum of understanding to use the 23 acre facility, which closed in 2011.
UIW President Louis Agnese said the university had been scouting three locations.
“Eventually all the pieces came here,” Agnese said. “I just think it’s wonderful. It’s still part of SAISD, we’re very happy about that, It’s still ten minutes from downtown, we’re very happy about that, and this is the formation of a new medical complex for the city of San Antonio."
Brooks City Base has been undergoing redevelopment since the base closed in 2011. Brooks President and CEO Leo Gomez said the renovation of the school is like a shot in the arm.
“In terms of pursuing our land-use plan and our development principles, our master plan and really providing opportunities for development, growth, and at the end of the day really good, quality jobs here at Brooks City Base,” Gomez said.
The school is expected to open in August 2016 with seven historic buildings redeveloped over two phases. Later some of the university’s other programs like it’s master’s degree in nursing and school of physical therapy will be moved to the same complex.
