[9][11] The presence of the LDS Church in South Texas dates back to the 1920s, when Dan Smith and his family were baptized, becoming some of the first members in the region.

[9][11] On December 11, 2019, the church announced that the temple would be built on a 10.6-acre site located on the northwest corner of Second Street and West Trenton Road in McAllen.

[9] Landscaped with native Texas shrubs, palm trees, and succulents, the grounds are designed to create a peaceful setting to complement the temple's purpose as a place of worship.

The temple's exterior is inspired by Spanish colonial architecture, a style that reflects the cultural history of the Rio Grande Valley region.

This open spire design echoes traditional church bell towers, linking the structure to architectural history while creating a distinct focal point.

The design includes barbed quatrefoils, shell niches, and scrolls, while motifs like citrus blossoms reference McAllen's agricultural heritage.

[9][17] The structure's blue, gold, and green accents, symbolizing Texas’ bluebonnets, Gulf waters, and rich landscapes, harmonize the building with its regional surroundings.

[18] Marble for various temple areas was sourced from Spain, featuring intricate scroll shapes that echo Spanish colonial patterns, particularly in the baptistry font's decorative border.

VCBO Architecture and Dale Gierisch of Finessed Finishes Inc. in Springville, Utah, designed and installed decorative painting throughout the temple, including ceilings, hallways, and the celestial room.

[19] Its bilingual monument sign, with inscriptions in both English and Spanish, underscores its role in bringing together Latter-day Saints from the United States and Mexico.

The temple's color palette of blue, green, and gold resonates with the region's natural beauty, symbolizing Texas bluebonnets, the Gulf of Mexico, and the diverse Texan landscapes.