New Medical Center to Replace Former Frank Erwin Center Space in Austin

In the heart of Austin, Texas, the last concrete and steel remnants of the historic Frank Erwin Center are being cleared away after its demolition on May 19th. The razing of the old center wraps up a process that began in June 2023. Now, the city is poised to welcome two new hospital towers in its place – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and a UT Austin hospital.

Plans for the New Medical Centers

Announced in August 2023, the new medical center will undoubtedly bring transformative cancer care to the city. With over 250 beds in the hospital section and a cancer center comprising 156 beds and over 230 outpatient exam rooms, the new establishment will serve a huge populace. Furthermore, students of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work from UT will get the opportunity to learn and hone their skills right in the heart of the new hospitals.

The Historic Frank Erwin Center

Named after a prominent university official and known for being the performance venue of choice for many famous musical acts, the center has witnessed countless basketball matches, graduation ceremonies, and large-scale events since its opening in 1977. Spanning around 500,000 square feet and hosting a variety of events, the center had a good run of about 50 years before giving way to a more futuristic establishment, the Moody Center.

Rebirth from the Rubble: A New Beginning

Demolishing the historical site was no easy feat. Between 70 to 100 workers tirelessly worked to take the structure down piece by piece. Their dedication paid off as the demolition concluded under its $25 million budget—and quite ahead of schedule. Backing their commitment to environmental conservation, over 80% of the materials – concrete and steel – from the site will be recycled. The team plans to clear away all of the remaining debris by September.

Looking Ahead: Construction and the Future

Construction of the new medical centers is scheduled to break ground in 2026, with patient intake anticipated to start by 2030. This joint medical initiative between the University of Texas and the MD Anderson Cancer Center is all set to provide world-class healthcare to the city.

“We are looking forward to providing world-class healthcare to the community,” stated Dan Cook, UT’s executive director of planning, design and construction. “We’ve seen Austin growing, and this partnership presents itself as a really special opportunity.”

This marks the dawn of a new era for healthcare in Austin, with the space once known for its vibrant events ready to transform into a hub for advanced medicinal care.