UT Regents Explore New Location for Future Medical Campus

The University of Texas Board of Regents is reconsidering the location for the future academic medical campus in Austin, Texas. Initially planned for the site of the former Frank Erwin Center, which was demolished in 2024, the new campus will include a facility for the MD Anderson Cancer Center and an additional university medical tower.

During a meeting on Thursday, Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT Board of Regents, emphasized the significance of the project, describing it as “one of the biggest projects of this generation.” He stated, “We’re not just building an integrated academic medical center; we’re building a district for the future. For that reason, we’re looking at a larger site.”

The Regents are considering an undeveloped property owned by the university, located north of the main campus and near The Domain. Eltife noted that discussions regarding the project have involved both Jim Davis, President of UT Austin, and Peter Pisters, President of MD Anderson Cancer Center. A design team will analyze the North Austin site to determine if it offers a more suitable option for the ambitious project, while the original Erwin Center site remains under consideration.

Despite the location change discussions, a university representative confirmed that the timeline for the project remains intact. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, with an opening anticipated by 2030. This new academic medical center aims to enhance healthcare and research capabilities in the region, marking a significant investment in the future of public health in Austin.

As the Board of Regents moves forward with its evaluation, the potential for a larger site underscores the commitment to creating a comprehensive medical campus that can serve the needs of the community and beyond.