The University of Texas Board of Regents is reconsidering the site for the future academic medical campus in Austin, Texas, which will include a facility for the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Initially planned for the location of the former Frank Erwin Center, the project is now being evaluated for a larger, undeveloped property owned by the university.
During a meeting on Thursday, Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT Board of Regents, emphasized the significance of the medical campus, 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 board is currently considering a site north of the main campus, close to the Domain, an area known for its retail and residential developments. Eltife mentioned that discussions about the project have involved Jim Davis, president of UT Austin, and Peter Pisters, president of MD Anderson Cancer Center. A design team will assess the North Austin location to determine if it “makes more sense” for the ambitious project. Notably, the site of the Erwin Center remains under consideration as well.
Despite these changes, a representative from the University of Texas confirmed that the timeline for the project has not altered. Construction is still expected to commence in 2026, with an anticipated opening in 2030. This project aims to significantly enhance the university’s medical capabilities and provide advanced cancer treatment options through the MD Anderson facility.
As plans evolve, both university leadership and the board remain committed to delivering a state-of-the-art medical campus that meets the needs of future generations in healthcare and education.
