As construction progresses on the University Health campus at VIDA, San Antonio’s Southside healthcare transformation is visibly underway. The 68-acre health hub aims to redefine healthcare access in Southside and beyond. The first of several planned buildings, the Vida Clinic and Public Institute of Health will bring primary and special health care services, mental health care, and preventive health programs to meet the health and wellness needs of the area today and in the future.
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- University Health Vida Clinic takes shape going vertical
University Health Vida officially broke ground on December 13, 2023, and will be the new primary care and multi-specialty health center on the Southside. It will also be the new home of the University Health Institute for Public Health. Aimed for completion in 2025, the Vida Clinic will be the first building to open on University Health’s campus at the intersection of South Zarzamora and Jaguar Parkway, across from Texas A&M University – San Antonio. The 167-bed Palo Alto hospital is also under construction on the site, slated to open in 2027.
A Community Hub in Progress
Aerial view of the University Health campus at VIDA, Palo Alto Hospital in the foreground.
The new facility will be a comprehensive healthcare destination. Recent progress photos reveal the foundation of a space purposefully designed for both clinical services and community-focused wellness initiatives. “The future of healthcare on the Southside is taking shape before our eyes at our VIDA multispecialty clinic on the University Health campus,” shares University Health. “With walls going up and construction progressing everyday, we’re eager to bring expanded clinics, a pharmacy, community space, and essential public health resources to the heart of this community.”
The University Health VIDA campus will connect to the VIDA neighborhood through the Madla Greenway Trail, offering residents convenient access to healthcare services via a scenic, walkable path. This trail strengthens the community’s focus on wellness, creating an easy link between VIDA’s residential areas and the new health hub.
The Healing Power of Art: Introducing SaludArte
In addition to expanding healthcare services, University Health is fostering community connections through the SaludArte program, an initiative that merges wellness with artistic expression. By inviting local artists to submit works that emphasize healing, unity, and cultural reflection, SaludArte aims to create a visually inspiring atmosphere within healthcare spaces.
“Art has the power to inspire healing and create a welcoming environment for our patients and the community. With the SaludArte: Art of Healing program, we are excited to incorporate new artistic talent into our facilities, making our community hospitals not just places of healing, but also vibrant spaces that reflect the unique character of our region.”
—Allison Hays Lane, Executive Curator at University Health
This program not only brings art into healthcare but also highlights the Southside’s diverse culture, adding another dimension to patient care and community wellness. Through SaludArte, University Health underscores its dedication to holistic, community-centered healthcare.
For more information, visit the University Health SaludArte program page.
A Look Ahead
University Health Vida Clinic
As construction milestones unfold, the vision for the University Health campus becomes increasingly tangible. With areas planned for hands-on cooking classes and personalized nutrition counseling, and resources for proactive health management, the campus is well-positioned to empower the Southside community with critical tools and knowledge for vibrant living. This facility, along with the upcoming Palo Alto Hospital, highlights a broader commitment to community health and accessibility on the Southside.
Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses and University Health VIDA moves closer to becoming a healthcare cornerstone for San Antonio’s Southside.