UT Explores New Site for MD Anderson Cancer Center Development

The University of Texas (UT) System is reconsidering the location for its future academic medical campus, potentially shifting from a previously announced site in downtown Austin to a larger, undeveloped area near The Domain. Initially, plans were set to develop the facility on the former site of the Frank Erwin Center, which closed in May 2022. However, on October 19, 2023, Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife revealed the possibility of utilizing land north of the campus for this significant project.

The future campus is expected to host a new MD Anderson Cancer Center location along with a medical tower. Eltife referred to the initiative as one of the largest projects of this generation, emphasizing the ambition behind it. “We’re not just building an integrated academic medical center; we’re building a district for the future,” he stated. This vision aims to create a lasting impact on healthcare provision and academic integration in the region.

The consideration for a larger site is driven by the desire for a comprehensive long-term plan. A design team is currently assessing whether this north Austin location is more suitable for the ambitious project. The collaboration with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, based in Houston, is particularly notable as it has consistently ranked as the top cancer care center in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. This partnership is expected to enhance the profile of Dell Medical School and significantly increase access to medical services in the area.

The proposed UT MD Anderson hospital will be staffed entirely by MD Anderson physicians, ensuring high-quality care for patients. Regardless of the final location, construction is projected to begin in 2026, with the facility anticipated to open by 2030.

The trajectory of this project reflects a broader commitment by the University of Texas System to advance healthcare education and services in Austin. The potential move to a larger site near The Domain not only aligns with the institution’s goals but also promises to redefine the landscape of medical care in Central Texas. The decision, still in its evaluation phase, could lead to significant advancements in both healthcare delivery and academic collaboration in the region.