Medical District Transformation

For many years, my monthly calendar included two breakfast meetings for the Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC). As a member, Board member and President in 2004 – 2005, these meetings were a place to connect with friends and colleagues, learn about local initiatives, share my work and contribute to the dialogue about the Dallas area. Having stepped down from the Board, my attendance in recent years hasn’t been as regular. I was certainly glad I went to the October 2025 breakfast, though.

The session focused on the transformation underway and planned in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District. It was both really informative and very exciting! Speakers presented the new master plan for the district and the work underway now to transform an area of cars, concrete and imposing medical buildings into one that is green and creates a place for patients and area workers to relax and heal. My friends and colleagues Robert Prejean at the Southwestern Medical District and David Whitley at DRW Planning, as well as two representatives of the Texas Trees Foundation, have been doing some incredible work for this important part of Dallas.

The Dallas Plan included attention to this area as part of its economic development strategy, supporting the University of Texas Southwestern and the other premier medical institutions located here, and enhancing the role of the institutions and area in the Dallas economy and community. At that time, we worked on translating UTSW research into local biotech companies and sought to improve the physical surroundings and neighborhood choices nearby so medical residents, technicians and others could live near where they worked. But we didn’t attempt to change the transportation infrastructure and add greenspace like this plan will do – those were just not topics that were seen as priorities. Research led by Texas Trees Foundation has created an analytical foundation for the investment in green spaces and trees. New design ideas, and funding, will allow a transformation of this area that will bring it on par with other major medical districts around the country. Though there is still more work to be done (and more money to be raised), I was excited to see the path the district is on.