UT's New Academic Medical Center to Be Built Near The Domain

The $2.5 billion project will no longer be located at the former Erwin Center site downtown.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The University of Texas System has announced that its new $2.5 billion Academic Medical Center will be built west of the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, closer to The Domain area, rather than at the former site of the Erwin Center downtown. UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife cited space constraints at the Erwin site as the reason for the change in location.

Why it matters

The new Academic Medical Center is a major expansion of UT's medical presence and healthcare offerings for Austin. The change in location from downtown to near The Domain could impact development, transportation, and access for patients and staff.

The details

In 2023, UT officials announced plans to build the new Academic Medical Center in partnership with the MD Anderson cancer treatment center. The $2.5 billion project is considered 'one of the biggest projects of this generation' according to Eltife. The Erwin Center, which previously occupied the downtown site, was demolished in 2024 after 46 years of operation, but Eltife said there are no current plans for that site.

  • In 2023, UT officials announced plans for the new Academic Medical Center.
  • The Erwin Center was demolished in 2024 after 46 years of operation.

The players

Kevin Eltife

Chairman of the University of Texas System.

MD Anderson

A cancer treatment center that is partnering with UT on the new Academic Medical Center project.

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What they’re saying

“The new center — a $2.5 billion project — will be 'one of the biggest projects of this generation,'”

— Kevin Eltife, UT System Chairman (statesman.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This change in location for the new UT Academic Medical Center highlights the evolving development landscape in Austin, as the city continues to grow and major institutions like UT adapt their plans to meet the changing needs of the community.