Our vision is to establish a self-sustaining institution at Nueces Mosque that will fortify the faith of college students, train and educate future leaders, and provide a platform for civic, societal, and interfaith engagement. We aim to construct an iconic institution in the heart of Texas that will house a Masjid, Dawah Center, Seminary, and an Education Center for new and renewed Muslims from all over the world.

Mufti Mohamed-Umer Esmail (Rahimahullah) was one of the most prominent Islamic scholars in North America. His untimely passing in 2019 profoundly impacted the UT and Austin community. Mufti Umer served for decades as an imam in Austin, leading the Nueces Mosque community for almost a decade. He was deeply beloved by University of Texas students, whom he guided at Nueces Mosque. Known for his interfaith work and frequent public lectures on Islam, Mufti Umer left an indelible mark on the community and its vision. Naming the center after him is a tribute to his lifetime of service to the community and his vision for Nueces Mosque.

The project is currently in the Design and Engineering phase (pre-construction). The site development plan was submitted to the City of Austin on May 20, 2024. We anticipate site development plan approval in the first half of 2025. Our objective is to mobilize construction in the fall of 2025 and ensure completion no later than 2027, Insha-ALLAH, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Nueces Mosque.

The new facility will be a six-story, 74,677 sq ft mixed-use building with: Masjid, Dawah Center, Seminary, and Student Housing. Estimated at $325–$375 per sq ft. As of Dec 2024, $2.6M has been raised. Target: $6M cash on hand before construction mobilization.

Self-sustainability is a core objective. Rental income from student housing will cover operating expenses. UT Austin has a growing demand for 7,000+ additional beds, and Nueces Mosque will help address this by offering safe, Islamic housing with gender-dedicated floors.

High-rise construction in downtown Austin requires a crane, blocked streets, preordered materials, and strict timelines. Phased construction is not economical and would raise costs. A unified approach is necessary.

No on-site parking is planned. Instead, off-site leasing or partnerships will be pursued. Most attendees are UT students within walking distance. Underground parking is prohibitively expensive ($3–4M).

Yes. We are accepting pledges now. However, $4M is needed by Ramadan 2025 to mobilize construction. All project funds are in a separate secure account.

Yes. Nueces Mosque is registered as a nonprofit and is eligible for many company matching programs via platforms like Benevity.

We will rent facilities in West Campus or UT Austin campus to accommodate prayers and programs until the new center is complete.

Nueces Mosque shall always remain a student-run masjid. The student-only Executive Committee will continue to lead and oversee all programs.

Yes. Nueces Mosque is a registered 501(c)(3). Keep your email donation receipt for tax purposes.

While Nueces Mosque does not actively solicit Zakat for this project, donations may be designated as Zakat-eligible at the donor’s discretion, particularly for Dawah and Seminary projects.