Watching cranes rise along Old Spanish Trail and wondering what it means for your next move? The area just south of the Texas Medical Center is adding two major mixed-use life-science districts, Levit Green and 1500 OST. If you work in or around the Med Center, or you own nearby, these projects can shape housing demand, values, and daily convenience. In this guide, you will learn what is being built, why it matters, and how to plan as a buyer, seller, or investor. Let’s dive in.
What and where: The quick take
Levit Green and 1500 OST sit along Old Spanish Trail at the edge of the Texas Medical Center. Both are planned to bring life-science space, housing, retail, and public areas within minutes of hospitals and research institutions. That proximity is the key driver for real estate decisions in the Medical Center area.
Levit Green at a glance
Levit Green is a roughly 53-acre life-science district with lab and office buildings, future residential, retail, and significant open space. The first building is a purpose-built lab and office property designed for wet labs, power redundancy, and vibration control, and it began leasing after topping out in 2022. A known early tenant is Sino Biological, signaling lab demand tied to the Med Center. For project details and purpose, see Hines’ overview and Phase I release. Hines describes the plan and first phase and confirms a lease with Sino Biological.
1500 OST at a glance
1500 OST is a 21.3-acre master-planned site next to major Medical Center anchors. The first step was a sale of a 2.1-acre parcel to Winther Investments for a mid-rise multifamily project, with site work reported for 2026. The remaining land is being marketed for life-science, retail, hospitality, or more housing, and the developers highlight flexible land ownership options. See the Transwestern announcement of the initial land sale and reporting on the site’s strategy and phased approach in the Houston Chronicle.
Why this matters for the Medical Center
The Texas Medical Center is the world’s largest medical complex, with a massive workforce that relies on nearby housing and services. As TMC expands research and industry partnerships, it creates demand for lab space and homes in the surrounding neighborhoods. Helix Park, a 37-acre biomedical campus with collaborative research facilities, adds to this momentum. Learn more about TMC’s scale and Helix Park’s role in the life-sciences ecosystem.
What it means for homebuyers
Living near TMC offers shorter commutes, access to Hermann Park and the Museum District, and options to use light rail instead of driving. New housing at 1500 OST and future residential at Levit Green can add choices for renters and buyers over time. The net effect is usually positive for convenience and neighborhood services.
Use this quick checklist as you compare homes:
- Transit: Review METRO’s Red Line stops that serve the Medical Center and Museum District for car-light commuting. See the official METRO rail page.
- Construction awareness: Ask about current and planned phases at nearby projects to set expectations for traffic and noise.
- Flood due diligence: Much of the area drains to Brays Bayou, which has a known flood history. Review FEMA and county resources, ask for elevation certificates, and budget for flood insurance where appropriate. Get background on the Brays Bayou watershed.
- Property taxes: Confirm your projected tax bill and available exemptions. Start with Harris County’s property tax resources and FAQs at the Harris County Tax Office.
Guidance for sellers near TMC
Houston shifted toward a more balanced market through 2024 and 2025, which means pricing strategy and presentation matter more. At the same time, proximity to major employment hubs like TMC can still support demand, especially for well-maintained, updated homes. Local reporting notes the shift toward buyer leverage citywide, while close-in locations remain resilient. See the latest Houston market context.
To stand out, highlight these points in your listing:
- Walkability to hospitals and research facilities
- Access to METRO rail and major corridors
- Any drainage, resiliency, or systems upgrades
- Community amenities like parks and museums
If you want a hands-on plan, a curated prep-and-marketing process can help you hit the market with confidence.
Investors: key takeaways
- Multifamily: TMC’s stable employment base typically supports rentals in walking or short-commute locations. Watch near-term supply as 1500 OST delivers its first phase and other buildings complete in the corridor. The initial land sale at 1500 OST signals more units on the way.
- Life-science real estate: Lab buildings are specialized assets with different infrastructure and leasing dynamics than traditional offices. Levit Green’s first building delivered lab-ready space and secured a lab tenant, which helps anchor demand. See the Phase I details and tenant announcement.
- Market risk: Developers emphasize phased, tenant-driven plans due to national funding and interest-rate headwinds. The Houston Chronicle outlines these dynamics.
Near-term milestones to watch
- Levit Green leasing and future phase starts, including new tenant announcements.
- 1500 OST site work and permitting steps ahead of the first multifamily build.
- Additional Helix Park buildings and partner expansions that add jobs and research activity.
Getting around without driving
Light rail connects the Medical Center to Downtown, Midtown, the Museum District, and more. Stations like the TMC Transit Center and Museum District stops can reduce commute times and parking costs. Check schedules and maps on METRO’s rail service page.
How to choose the right pocket
Focus on your daily routine. Prioritize commute options, building age and condition, noise tolerance during nearby construction, and access to services you use most. Your best-fit home balances convenience today with long-term neighborhood plans on the horizon.
Ready to navigate the Medical Center market with a local specialist by your side? Reach out to Monique McDaniel for a curated plan tailored to your goals.
FAQs
What is Levit Green and where is it located?
- Levit Green is a roughly 53-acre life-science district just south of the Texas Medical Center, planned with lab and office buildings plus future residential, retail, and open space, according to Hines.
What is planned at 1500 OST and when does it start?
- 1500 OST is a 21.3-acre mixed-use site; a 2.1-acre parcel was sold for a multifamily project with site work reported for 2026, and the remaining land is marketed for life-science and complementary uses per Transwestern.
How could these projects affect home values near the Medical Center?
- Large employment and amenity projects often support long-term demand, but effects vary by block and timing; watch local comps and consider construction impacts in the short term, as discussed in the Houston Chronicle’s coverage.
Is flooding a concern in the Medical Center area of Houston?
- Parts of the area drain to Brays Bayou, which has a known flood history; review FEMA and county resources, request elevation certificates, and plan for flood insurance where appropriate, with background available on Brays Bayou.
What transit options connect the Medical Center to other parts of Houston?
- METRO’s Red Line serves the Medical Center and links to key districts; schedules, maps, and station details are on METRO’s rail page.
