McKeon on TMC construction milestone: 'An integral milestone in the future of life science research and innovation'

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner joined the Texas Medical Center Tuesday (March 22) in celebrating a major milestone in the construction of the health care district's new TMC3 Collaborative Building, Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported. According to KPRC, Turner helped mark the topping-out of the joint research building more than a year after ground was broken on the project. 

The station reported that the building, which is being built on the TMC3 life science campus, is TMC's first-ever multi-institutional research facility. It's slated for a 2023 completion.

Turner said that the building further epitomizes Houston's status as a leading city in innovation and technology.

“In the process, we will create opportunities to bring new partners and industry to our city and generate new jobs for the residents of the Greater Houston community,” the mayor said, KPRC reported.

A TMC-issued press release said that the 250,000-square-foot building will boost innovation and increase collaboration among the research institutions that call the medical district home, such as the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Texas A&M University Health Science Center and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, KPRC reported.

“The topping-out of the TMC3 Collaborative Building marks an integral milestone in the future of life science research and innovation and reflects an unprecedented commitment to collaboration among the four founding institutions," TMC president and CEO William F. McKeon said, according to the station. "The lifesaving research and technologies that will come out of this building will truly revolutionize health care."

The station reported that the three entities will share a 43,000-square-foot research laboratory that's considered the facility's key feature.

The lab is designed to help promote life science ideas and advancements, KPRC reported.

“Houston is a resource-rich location and the perfect platform for pioneering advancements and commercial pursuits across the life sciences spectrum and other translational industries that meet our mission and serve patients in need," Dr. Jon Mogford, TAMU Health COO and senior vice president, said, according to KPRC.