Harris Health is hosting four town hall meetings in each precinct of the Harris County Commissioners Court to inform the public and get their feedback on plans to purchase park land from the City of Houston through eminent domain to build much-needed patient rooms for Ben Taub Hospital.
The 8.9 acres of land—part of Hermann Park—represents less than 2% of the park and is largely undeveloped and physically separated by Cambridge Street from the main attractions that include the Houston Zoo and Herman Park Golf Course. The expansion of the hospital is part of Harris Health’s effort to meet a public health necessity and fulfill the promise made as part of the $2.5 billion bond package approved by county voters in 2023.
As of Nov. 10, 2025, three dates and locations have been confirmed for Precincts 1, 3 and 2, respectively:
Nov. 12, 2025 (Wednesday) 6:45 p.m.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1
Commissioner Rodney Ellis Administrative Building and Community Center
2787 El Camino St., Houston, Texas 77054
Nov. 17, 2025 (Monday) 6:45 p.m.
Harris County Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, Precinct 3
George H.W. Bush Community Center
6827 Cypresswood, Spring, Texas 77379
Jan. 5, 2026 (Monday) 6:45 p.m.
Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2
BakerRipley Ripley House Campus
4410 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Texas 77011
A date and location for Precinct 4 (Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones) has not been scheduled yet.
“Ben Taub is a very important part of providing timely, life-saving care to the residents of Harris County and the city of Houston,” says Esmaeil Porsa, MD, president and CEO, Harris Health. “It is also the only safety-net public hospital in the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world. This proposed expansion aims to ensure we can continue serving everyone who walks through our doors.”
The expansion is timely, because Harris Health expects Ben Taub Hospital expects to see an additional 18,000 (22% more) emergency visits and increased demand for hospital beds in the next five years. Today, the hospital routinely operates at or above 100% capacity with some patients waiting longer hours for an available patient room, with some temporarily positioned in hallway beds.
To learn more about the Ben Taub Hospital expansion plans or about Harris Health, visit harrrishealth.org
