Methodist announces plans for new facilities

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Houston Methodist today announced plans to build a new hospital in the Woodlands and a new patient tower in the Texas Medical Center.

The 193-bed hospital is going to be built near the intersection of I-45 and Highway 242. Construction of the 470,000 square foot hospital will begin early next year and should be completed in 2017. The $328 million project includes a 135,000 square foot medical building opening late 2015.

In the Texas Medical Center, Houston Methodist will place a 390-bed inpatient tower inside the Methodist Hospital's original Main building. The new facility will also include highly advanced heart and neurosurgery operating rooms. This tower will also have 102 intensive care beds, expanded operating suites, hybrid suites, and a dedicated cardiology floor. The tower will cost about $540 million.

This is a story we're following today. We'll have more coming up on Eyewitness News beginning at 4pm.