[Urbannizer]

Bills would remove restrictions on site of 'world-class' UT medical complex near downtown Austin

A new medical complex set to rise on the former Frank Erwin Center property in downtown Austin is moving closer to development, potentially with some support from the Texas Legislature.

The future site of The University of Texas system's new hospital campus is currently constrained by Capitol View Corridors that limit development within sight lines of the Capitol dome. A pair of bills are proposed this year to remove those restrictions, which medical officials said could clear the way for a larger hospital complex.

The future UT Austin Medical Center property is blanketed by Texas Capitol View Corridors—geographic planes extending from the Capitol dome that prevent any structures from blocking sight lines to the building from around the city.

Of the nearly three dozen view corridors in Austin, several cross the old Erwin Center site at 1701 Red River St. and could restrict development there. The two companion bills filed in the Legislature this year—Senate Bill 2076 from Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and House Bill 3114 from Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth—would eliminate the corridors over the property and clear the way for an expanded medical complex.