UT expansion in Houston to trigger immense southside growth

HOUSTON – The University of Texas is acquiring 332 acres about one mile south of Loop 610 for a major campus with dozens of new buildings, more than 1 million sf, perhaps much more.

UT System Chancellor William McRaven presented a preliminary conceptual plan for the UT site showing more than two dozen structures for the property. The site is bisected by Buffalo Speedway and is south of West Bellfort Ave., within walking distance of the Astrodome and only 3.5 miles from the Texas Medical Center.

The UT deal opens up great swaths of south Houston for major development and investment. Realty News Report, on a number of occasions, has noted the opportunity that lies in the vast amount of vacant land that is available south of Loop 610 and north of Beltway 8.

The terminus of the METRO light rail line is south of 610. An earlier development plan called for extending the METRO rail to the west to connect with the UT tract, which could provide the university with a light rail connection to the Medical Center and downtown.

At 332 acres, the UT campus is a bit smaller than the 385 acres acquired by Exxon Mobil for its new, excessively lauded campus north of Houston. 

But the business innovation and incubation potential at the UT facility, with the Medical Center synergy, means UT’s move has just ignited the close-in south side of Houston. The potential for south side growth is immense.