MD Anderson Cancer Center 3SCR1 CABI 3T MRI in Houston, TX

MD Anderson Cancer Center is undertaking a significant renovation at its Houston facility, specifically targeting MRI Room 3SCR1.3637 at 1881 East Road. The project, valued at $2,300,000, involves the replacement of RF shielding in the ceiling, walls, and floor to upgrade the existing magnet. The scope includes modifications to the equipment and control room to accommodate these technical changes. The registered accessibility specialist for this work is Tim Mullins, and the design firm of record is Johnston, LLC.

The filing indicates a construction start date of February 2027, with completion targeted for February 2028. This twelve-month build window is longer than the county median of 92 days for similar renovation and alteration projects in Harris County. The project was registered with TDLR in October 2026, and plan review is pending. The estimated cost per square foot is $1,293, which is above the county median of $80 for this type of work.

Project Scope and Technical Details

The core of this renovation is the upgrade of the magnetic resonance imaging equipment. The filing specifies that the modifications involve the replacement of radiofrequency shielding throughout the room. This technical upgrade is necessary to ensure the magnet operates at higher capabilities while maintaining safety standards. The control room will also undergo modifications to support the new system. The total square footage affected is 1,779 sq ft.

MD Anderson Cancer Center has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $10,777,664. Johnston, LLC, the design firm for this project, has been involved in six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $24,457,040. These include projects in Houston and Conroe, with several marked as review complete. The current project stands out for its high cost per square foot relative to the county average, reflecting the specialized nature of medical equipment upgrades.

The surrounding area, ZIP code 77054, has a population of about 26,696 according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 estimates. The median household income in this area is $59,087. The project involves public funds, public land, or is a Federally funded roadway project, as noted in the funding section of the filing. This designation may influence the regulatory oversight and reporting requirements for the construction phase.

With a status of Project Registered, the work is in the planning and approval stages. The TDLR registration ensures that accessibility standards are integrated into the design and construction process. Tim Mullins, as the registered accessibility specialist, will oversee compliance with these standards. The project aims to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston facility, supporting its mission to provide advanced cancer care.