The University of Texas Board of Regents is considering a new location for the planned academic medical center campus that will feature an MD Anderson Cancer Center. Initially, the campus was set to occupy the site of the former Frank Erwin Center, which underwent demolition in 2024.
During a recent board meeting, Chairman Kevin Eltife highlighted the significance of the project, referring to it as “one of the biggest projects of this generation.” He emphasized the vision behind the initiative, stating, “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 now evaluating a proposed site on undeveloped land owned by the university, situated north of the main UT Austin campus and close to the Domain, a prominent shopping and business area. Eltife mentioned that there have been extensive discussions regarding the project with UT Austin President Jim Davis and Peter Pisters, the president of MD Anderson Cancer Center.
A design team is set to assess the North Austin site to determine its suitability for the medical campus. Despite this new consideration, Eltife confirmed that the site of the former Erwin Center remains a viable option in the discussion.
According to a representative from UT Austin, the timeline for the project has not changed. Construction is still expected to commence in 2026, with the campus anticipated to open its doors by 2030. The development aims to enhance the university’s healthcare offerings and advance cancer research and treatment, benefiting the local community and beyond.
As plans evolve, the Board of Regents will continue to weigh the potential advantages of the new site against the original location, ensuring the project aligns with the long-term vision for healthcare and education in the region.
