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UT Health San Antonio Brain Health Building

Healthcare Higher Ed In Progress | San Antonio

UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health as seen from Charles Katz Drive, highlighting innovative healthcare construction in San Antonio.
  • Project Scope 100,000 SF New Brain Health Building and Parking Garage
  • Completion Date July 2025
  • Owner UT Health San Antonio
  • Architect Alamo Architects

Leading the Industry in Healthcare Construction: UT Health San Antonio Center for Brain Health

The Center for Brain Health at UT Health San Antonio is set to become a transformative resource in the field of brain health research and patient care. This cutting-edge facility, a milestone in healthcare construction in San Antonio, Texas, will be the first in Texas dedicated to comprehensive brain health for patients with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and ALS. Designed to advance the capabilities of scientists and healthcare professionals, the Center for Brain Health combines research, clinical care, and advanced technology, positioning UT Health San Antonio as a leader in brain health innovation.

A State-of-the-Art Facility Dedicated to Brain Health

Spanning 103,500 square feet across five stories, the Center for Brain Health reflects a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure dedicated to medical research and patient care. The facility will include dry labs, an infusion room for clinical research, and administrative spaces to support groundbreaking research into neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, it will house the Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, allowing for expanded research and the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice.

The first floor features an advanced imaging suite, including Texas’ first MAGNETOM TERRA 7T MRI scanner. This ultra-high-field MRI provides precise imaging to help researchers study conditions affecting gray and white matter. To ensure patient comfort, luminous ceilings in the MRI room create a calming environment, while adjacent control rooms allow staff to provide attentive care during scans.

Innovative Features to Support Research and Patient Care

The Center for Brain Health’s innovative design aims to provide both functionality and comfort for researchers and patients alike. The building’s first floor is home to the advanced imaging suite, which includes luminous ceilings in the MRI room. These ceilings help create a calming environment for patients undergoing scans, enhancing their overall experience. A control room adjacent to the MRI suite allows MRI staff to monitor scans and adjust settings as needed.

The facility also includes a range of spaces essential to healthcare and research, including a pharmacy, physical therapy room, exam rooms, counseling rooms, and dedicated clinical testing rooms. With conference rooms and faculty offices incorporated throughout, the center is designed to support collaborative research and clinical work, fostering advancements in brain health and neurodegenerative disease treatment.

Architectural Excellence in Healthcare Construction

The Center for Brain Health exemplifies architectural innovation in healthcare construction. The building connects to the existing UT Health Medical Arts and Research Center via a pedestrian walkway and plaza, creating a seamless flow between facilities. This integration enables easy access for patients, faculty, and researchers, enhancing collaboration and accessibility across campus.

The building’s exterior, featuring custom metal panels, curtain wall glass, and masonry, offers a modern, welcoming aesthetic that complements the campus. Inside, the design balances functionality and comfort with terrazzo flooring, custom wood ceilings, and carefully crafted millwork, reflecting attention to detail and creating a space optimized for both accessibility and efficiency.

A Lasting Impact on Brain Health Research and Patient Care

The Center for Brain Health is designed to have a profound impact on brain health research and patient care in Texas and beyond. As the only National Institute of Aging-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Texas, UT Health San Antonio is well-positioned to lead advancements in understanding and treating brain diseases. By centralizing research and clinical facilities, the Center for Brain Health will allow scientists to conduct essential research while providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and diagnostics.

The facility’s focus on translational research ensures that scientific discoveries can quickly move from the lab to the clinical setting, benefiting patients. The Brain Health Building will support interdisciplinary work across fields such as pharmacology, biochemistry, and neurology, promoting a collaborative environment that is essential for innovative research.

Building for Brain Health and Wellness

UT Health San Antonio’s Center for Brain Health is a milestone in healthcare construction in San Antonio, demonstrating how medical research facilities can be designed to support both patient care and scientific discovery. This center will not only contribute to the advancement of brain health but will also serve as a resource for educating the next generation of scientists and healthcare providers.

As healthcare construction projects continue to evolve, the Center for Brain Health stands out as a model of how architecture, technology, and medical research can intersect to create a space that is both functional and inspirational. Through its commitment to excellence in brain health, UT Health San Antonio is setting a new standard for facilities dedicated to advancing healthcare and improving lives.