Construction Begins on $5 Billion Texas Pediatric Health Campus

By Fay Harvey

DALLAS, Texas— Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center have officially broken ground on a $5 billion pediatric health campus that was first announced  in February. The new campus, which will encompass 4.7 million square feet of construction, will replace the existing Children’s Medical Center Dallas and features a new pediatric hospital as its centerpiece. The campus will be located adjacent to UTSW’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. 

North Texas has experienced a booming growth in population, and the pediatric population is expected to double by 2050. This new campus will address urgent community needs and increase the current range of pediatric services from routine care to complex treatments. 

“Through this new pediatric campus we are reaffirming our promise that every child in this community will have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they face,” said Christopher Durovich, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Health, in an statement by UT Southwestern Medical Center. “This new Dallas campus will be a beacon of hope and healing for our children today – and for generations to come.” 

An aerial view of the new hospital’s location. A bridge will connect a new fetal care center to William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. 
An aerial view of the new hospital’s location. A bridge will connect a new fetal care center to William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. Photo credit: Perkins&Will

The new center — which will include two 12-story towers, one eight-story tower and broader care site — aims to be a one-of-a-kind hub for training, academic research and the development of lifesaving technologies.The site is located beside more than 20 acres of green space, walking trails and an open courtyard, enhancing the healing views accessible from patient rooms. 

Inside, 552 beds, operating rooms, and a level 1 pediatric trauma center with 90 emergency department exam rooms and 24 observation rooms will be added —as well as a new fetal care center. Patient rooms will include customizable lighting, sleeping spaces for caregivers, and floor-to-ceiling windows to improve comfort and spark outdoor connectivity. Eight rehabilitation and therapy and immunocompromised-friendly gyms will be added as well as playrooms, pharmacies, a juice and smoothie bar, coffee shops and food hall. 

A rendering showing the greenery surrounding the new pediatric campus. Flowers and trees line the grass with blue skies shining on the field.
The new hospital will sit on more than 20 acres of open land, which also includes Dallas’ Pogue Park. Photo credit: Perkins&Will

Ian Sinnett, health principal at the Dallas studio of global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will, serves as the project’s director of planning, while Rachel Knox, studio practice leader of health at HKS and partner at the Dallas-based global design firm, is the project’s principal-in-charge. The two will also work with Atlanta’s GSR Andrade Architects and Texas construction company Post L Group. 

A $100 million gift from The Rees-Jones foundation and an additional $100 million gift from the Jean and Mack Pogue family will support the construction of the new pediatric campus. These two donations made Texas history, as this is the first time a not-for-profit construction project has received two individual leadership gifts of $100 million.  

“Community support is vital to the creation of this epic new pediatric campus in Dallas,” said Brent Christopher, President of Children’s Medical Center Foundation. “…Their contributions make the whole community stronger, which will be felt by more kids and families than we can possibly imagine. 

The hospital is expected to open within the next seven years.