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Construction of the new pediatric campus in Dallas reached a major structural milestone on Sept. 29, 2026, when crews placed the final beam on the 12-story frame that will become Moody Children’s Hospital. The topping-out ceremony signals that the main structure has reached its planned height; it is not the hospital’s opening. Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center project the hospital to open in 2031.
What happened at the topping-out ceremony?
Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center marked completion of the structural frame with a ceremony attended by pediatric patients, care teams and project leaders. Children’s Health CEO Christopher J. Durovich and UT Southwestern President Daniel K. Podolsky signed the beam before it was placed atop the building.
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The official photos also show patients and leaders celebrating, care teams being recognized and Andrew Koh, M.D., playing guitar while Suzanne Bouvier and Children’s Health patients sing. These moments presented the milestone as a community event as well as a construction achievement.
What topping out means—and what it does not
“Topping out” traditionally marks installation of the highest structural member of a building. For this project, the final beam completed the 12-story structural frame. Interior construction, building systems, finishes, commissioning and clinical preparations still remain before the facility can receive patients.
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The ceremony took place about two years after work began. Moody Children’s Hospital is projected to open in 2031, so the topping-out date should not be read as an opening date.
Where the campus is being built
The campus is rising in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District, across Harry Hines Boulevard from William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. Moody Children’s Hospital will be the centerpiece of the new pediatric development.
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Project scale at a glance
| Measure | Planned or reported figure |
|---|---|
| Total campus area | More than 5 million square feet |
| Hospital towers | Three |
| Total planned beds | 552 |
| Project value | $5 billion |
| Structural frame reached at ceremony | 12 stories |
| Projected hospital opening | 2031 |
The figures describe the planned campus, not an operating hospital. Bed capacity, square footage and opening timing can change as design, construction and regulatory work progress.
Construction activity behind the milestone
UT Southwestern reported the following project activity figures in 2026:
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| Construction activity | Reported amount | Attribution |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt removed | 60,000 truckloads | UT Southwestern, 2026 |
| Water diverted | 88 million gallons | UT Southwestern, 2026 |
| Rebar planned | 37,000 tons | UT Southwestern, 2026 |
| Workers on site | Approximately 1,700 daily | UT Southwestern, 2026 |
These numbers illustrate the logistical scale of the campus build. The rebar figure is a planned quantity, while the worker count is an approximate daily presence; neither should be interpreted as a final project total.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Family-centered features planned for Moody Children’s Hospital
Design plans emphasize an environment intended to support children and the people caring for them. Planned features include:
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- Patient rooms that can accommodate two caregivers
- Personalized room technology
- Adaptable lighting
- Playrooms
- A music therapy suite
- A broadcast studio
- A multifaith chapel
- Spaces for schoolwork
Cameron Strother, who oversees Risk and Environmental, Health and Safety for Children’s Health on the project, said: “This hospital is being built with thought and intention behind every detail.”
What to watch between topping out and opening
The completed frame is one stage in a longer healthcare construction sequence. Subsequent work will include enclosing the building, installing mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, completing patient and family spaces, fitting clinical areas, testing building systems and preparing the facility for safe operation. The 2031 projection remains the relevant public target for opening, rather than the 2026 ceremony date.
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