Houston is in our DNA, or rather, our DNA is in Houston. At least it will be at the coming TMC Helix Park which is set to feature a DNA-shaped green space at its new-and-improved complex.
One of the more exciting developments taking place in the Houston area is that of Helix Park at the Texas Medical Center (TMC). The largest medical complex in the world – home to the world’s largest children’s hospital as well as the world’s largest cancer hospital – is set to grow even larger in the coming years.
Now underway, Helix Park, is a 37-acre, 5 million-square-foot development comprised of the new TMC3 Collaborative Building and expansive Helix Gardens.
The TMC3 Collaborative Building is a proposed four-story, 250,000-square-foot building that will house MD Anderson, the University of Texas Health Science Center, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, and TMC.
Designed by internationally-recognized architect Elkus Manfredi, the state-of-the-art building with feature a 43,000-square-foot joint research lab to facilitate collaborative efforts between academic institutions and industry partners. Furthermore, it will feature a 14,000-square-foot MD Anderson lab as well as a 7,000-square-foot atrium where weekly programming, informal events, and lectures will takes place.
“From modern, collaborative environments to research that saves lives, Helix Park is helping define the future of medicine,” said TMC president and CEO, William McKeon. “We have the potential to position Houston as the world’s leading life science cluster while making an enormous difference for patients worldwide.”
Helix Parks will also feature a first-of-its-kind green space. Designed by international architect, Mikyoung Kim, the gardens will span 300,000 square feet and feature five, football-field-sized public parks – all interwoven in the shape of a double helix.
The space will also be populated with numerous cafes, retail shops, and other public spaces among its canopies, aquatic installations, and lush accents. Once open, the garden spaces will be available to host events such as concerts, graduations, and other outdoor receptions.
Officials aim to complete the first phase of the development by this year’s end. No official completion date has been provided.
See also: Lush Urban Village Development In Houston Slated To Reach Completion In 2024