In a significant leap forward for healthcare in Houston, Harris Health broke ground in May 2024 on a groundbreaking $1.6 billion Level I trauma-capable hospital, set to transform the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital campus. This ambitious 12-story facility will be the first of its kind in Harris County outside the Texas Medical Center, addressing the urgent need for expanded trauma care in the rapidly growing northeast region of Houston and beyond.

"LBJ and Ben Taub hospitals were built over 30 years ago, and since then, our community has grown exponentially," remarked Esmaeil Porsa, MD, President and CEO of Harris Health. "This new hospital is not just an expansion; it’s a necessity. It will provide state-of-the-art Level I trauma care, filling a critical gap in our healthcare infrastructure."

Slated for completion in early 2029, the new hospital is designed to be a beacon of advanced medical care. It will span 1.3 million square feet and house 390 private patient rooms, with the flexibility to expand to 450. The facility will boast a rooftop helipad, 15 dedicated operating rooms, and cutting-edge hybrid suites equipped to handle the most complex emergency surgeries. With these capabilities, the hospital is poised to become a vital resource for routine and emergency medical care in southeast Texas.

The official groundbreaking event on May 9, 2024, was a momentous occasion, drawing over 300 attendees, including Houston Mayor John Whitmire, executives and board members of Harris Health and UTHealth Houston, and philanthropic leaders from the Harris Health Strategic Fund and Harris County Hospital District Foundation. This celebration marked the start of a new era in Houston’s medical landscape.

“This is the beginning of a monumental improvement in our medical infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional healthcare for all Harris County residents,” said Andrea Caracostis, MD, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Harris Health. “The expansion of this hospital is long overdue and will significantly enhance our ability to meet the needs of our staff, patients, and the broader community.”

This new hospital is just one piece of Harris Health’s larger $2.9 billion strategic facilities plan, which also includes major renovations to the existing LBJ Hospital, an expansion of patient bed capacity at Ben Taub Hospital, and the construction of three new health centers in northwest, southwest, and east Harris County. Additionally, significant refurbishments are planned for existing health centers and clinics to ensure that all residents have access to top-tier medical care.

As construction progresses, the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital campus will undergo several transformations, including a new parking garage expected to be completed by April 2026 and a central utility plant by February 2027. The hospital itself is anticipated to be ready by October 2028, with the doors opening shortly thereafter.

This project underscores Harris Health’s commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare and improving the well-being of every Houstonian. Once completed, the new hospital will not only be a medical marvel but also a symbol of hope and progress for a growing community in need.

For more info, visit https://www.harrishealth.org/