TMC To Add Apartment Tower, Hotel And Conference Center To Helix Park

Texas Medical Center is transforming its massive life sciences development into a true mixed-use district.

Helix Park’s next phase includes a 250-room hotel, a 300-unit apartment tower and an 18K SF convention center, Houston Business Journal reported. TMC CEO Bill McKeon announced the plans, which he said have always been contemplated in the 37-acre Helix Park’s master plan, at an event on Thursday.

“This is something we’ve needed forever,” McKeon said, per HBJ.

Construction is set to start next year. McKeon declined to release details about TMC’s hotel partner but said the development will meet a need for larger spaces for gatherings and events. 

The first phase of Helix Park included the 250K SF TMC3 Collaborative Building and 355K SF Dynamic One tower, both of which opened in 2023. Before Helix Park was established, for-profit and life sciences companies had no access to TMC institutions.

Tenants at Dynamic One include Houston Methodist and Baylor College of Medicine. 

Baylor also broke ground on a 503K SF, 11-story medical education and research building adjacent to Helix Park in May 2023. Construction topped out on that building in April, and the grand opening is expected next year.

Venture capital firm Portal Innovations subleases to startup tenants within the collaborative building, HBJ reported. The hotel will help meet the needs of associated travelers. 

“It’s something that I think will transform us, and it will … take over the whole north end of Helix Park,” McKeon said. “So now, you’re going to have venture capital here, you’ll be able to have the hotel here on campus.”