The Texas Medical Center houses several top-notch health care facilities, research labs and medical institutions. Now, officials with the center are looking to add a place where visitors, patients and residents can stay inside Helix Park.

What we know: Bill McKeon, president of the Texas Medical Center, announced during the State of TMC event Nov. 20 that a new hotel, conference center and residential tower will break ground in Helix Park in 2026.

The building will include an 18,000-square-foot conference center, 250 hotel rooms and 300 residential units.

In related news: McKeon also announced that the 6550 Bertner Ave. building, known as The Commons, would receive a new facelift.

Medical Center officials are looking to transform the outside of the building into a "kinetic wall," as well as renovate the outside green space into a park with trees, a shaded bus stop and seating options.

Both projects are slated to start construction in 2026.

Electrify America, a company known for developing electric vehicle fast-charging networks throughout the United States and Canada, is set to produce its next project in the Meyerland Crossing shopping center.

In a nutshell: A filing by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation indicates that the $1 million construction project is scheduled to begin in March and will involve creating a new parking lot equipped with dispensers and power units.

Something to note: The filing states that the new parking lot will be approximately 8,000 square feet and is anticipated to wrap up construction in December 2026.

A project map by Capital Retail Properties, the developer for Meyerland Crossing, shows that the new EV facility will be located next to the Chipotle at the corner of Jason Street and West 610 Loop.

• 8801 W. Loop S., Houston

The Houston Health Department on Nov. 20 broke ground on a 13,756-square-foot laboratory facility dedicated to infectious disease testing for the Bureau of Laboratory Services.

Read all about it: The project is a public-private collaboration between commercial real estate agency Amelang Partners Inc., the city of Houston and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a Nov. 17 news release from the city.

Located at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center campus at 2250 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, the two-story Holcombe Lab will focus on testing for infectious diseases, including avian influenza, measles and mpox, per the release. Additionally, the laboratory will track foodborne illnesses and health care-associated infections.

Quote of note: “This collaboration, thanks to all of you, allows the Houston Health Department to expand our operations within the VA campus, bringing cutting-edge laboratory services close to veterans and ensuring seamless coordination between the city and federal health agencies,” HHD Director Theresa Tran said at the Nov. 20 groundbreaking event.

Free flu vaccines for children and adults are being offered throughout Harris County Precinct 4 community centers from Nov. 25 through December.

The details: Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is partnering with Harris County Public Health and Harris Health to offer the flu vaccines.

“With a new flu variant circulating and the holiday travel season approaching, it is especially important that residents get vaccinated,” a Nov. 19 announcement reads.

What residents should know: No insurance is required to receive the vaccine, according to the county event listing website, only vaccination records. Walk-ins are welcome, and residents are encouraged to call 832-927-7350.

Bayland Community Center
6400 Bissonnet St., Houston

• Nov. 25; Dec. 23,10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Dec. 9, 1-3 p.m.

Steve Radack Community Center
18650 Clay Road, Houston

• Nov. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Dec. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Burnett Bayland Community Center
6026 Chimney Rock Road, Houston

• Nov. 26; Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-noon
• Dec. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tracey Gee Community Center
3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston

• Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Home affordability in the Houston region has remained steady, according to the October housing affordability report from the Houston Association of Realtors.

The big picture: HAR reports single-family home sales rose 3.2% year-over-year compared to October 2024.

The average home price has remained flat at $423,955, while the median price of $330,000 has declined for the seventh month in a row.

HAR states the trend indicates that the market is gradually shifting toward a more balanced level after years of rapid price growth.

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Nov. 17-21.

League City residents raise concerns about Marina del Sol
Several residents raised public safety concerns about the waterfront Marina del Sol development at the Nov. 18 League City City Council meeting, prompting city officials to commit to seeking solutions at a future December meeting.
Uncover the full story by Reporter Rachel Leland.

Conroe City Council approves contract for traffic signal reconstruction at I-45, South Loop 336
Conroe City Council voted Nov. 13 to award a contract for the reconstruction of a damaged traffic signal at the intersection of I-45’s southbound frontage road and South Loop 336, according to city documents.
Expand your knowledge with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.

Sugar Land’s Walmart Neighborhood Market to remain open during renovations
The Walmart Neighborhood Market stor is set to undergo after-hours renovations to streamline the shopping experience while remaining fully open to customers, store officials said.
See more from Reporter Valeria Escobar.