Harris Health wants to purchase through eminent domain park land directly across from Ben Taub Hospital’s emergency center to construct a new addition with about 100 patient rooms to meet current and future patient care needs.
“Ben Taub is a very important part of providing timely, life-saving care to the residents of Harris County and the city of Houston,” says Esmaeil Porsa, MD, president and CEO, Harris Health. “It is also the only safety-net public hospital in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. This proposed expansion aims to ensure we can continue serving everyone who walks through our doors.”
The 8.9 acres of land—part of Hermann Park—represents less than 2% of the park and is largely undeveloped and physically separated by Cambridge Street from the main attractions that include the Houston Zoo and Herman Park Golf Course. The expansion of the hospital is part of Harris Health’s $2.5 billion bond package approved by county voters in 2023.
To acquire the land, Harris Health is following a legally prescribed eminent domain process that includes public hearings and a formal board resolution, and continues to collaborate with several stakeholders including the city of Houston, Harris County, Hermann Park Conservancy and others.
“We are committed to following every legal step to acquire the land responsibly and transparently,” Porsa says. “Even after acquisition, planning and construction will take time, but each step is essential to ensure the success of this expansion. Once the process reaches the stage where landowners need to be contacted, they will be contacted pursuant to a formal statutory notification process.”
The expansion is timely, because Harris Health expects Ben Taub Hospital will see an additional 18,000 (22% more) emergency visits and increased demand for hospital beds in the next 10 years. Today, the hospital routinely operates at or above 100% capacity with some patients waiting longer hours for an available patient room, with some temporarily positioned in hallway beds.
To learn more about the Ben Taub Hospital expansion plans or about Harris Health, visit harrrishealth.org
