Houston Methodist - Outpatient Center

Houston Methodist embarked on an ambitious expansion and replacement program that sought to restructure the institution as one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers. Amongst their strategic plan, Houston Methodist’s leadership identified the need for an innovative new Outpatient Center (OPC). Together with WHR, they embarked on the construction of a highly complex OPC, on a site surrounded by existing buildings, bound by two busy thoroughfares and bisected by a city street – that would forever change the Texas Medical Center skyline.

The WHR design team worked with the City of Houston to derive maximum utilization of the available property and minimize the impact of the new street. The team also worked closely with Houston Methodist’s leadership to define a vision for the facility that would enhance convenience and promote the patient experience within this very complex building.

The design of the Houston Methodist Outpatient Center resulted in a 26-story building creating a new skyline landmark for The Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist. The facility offers increased operational efficiency through planning flexibility provided by floor plates ranging from 40,000 SF to 70,000 SF, and convenient, segregated public and staff circulation within the facility and to the main campus. Internal planning focused on providing natural light to all public spaces, enhanced wayfinding and easy access for visitors with valet and patient drop-off areas as well as convenient circulation to and from parking and adjoining streets.