"What we're going to do basically is carry out a standingexpansion plan," Michael Jhin, president and CEO of St. Luke'stells GlobeSt.com. "We've been building satellites, though none aslarge as this, and this is as far out as we're going to go." Hesays there is a lack of health-care resources in the Woodlandsarea. "Residents are migrating out of the Woodlands area to getcare," says Jhin. "We think our location, right on Interstate 45,is strategic. It can also serve the community of Conroe."

Michael Richmond, president and CEO of the Woodlands OperatingCo. LP, sold the property to St. Luke's, recognizing the need forbetter health-care services. The St. Luke's project will meetresidents' needs "while allowing them access to the localphysicians they've grown to know and rely upon." Actually, he says,this collaborative effort makes the best use of communityresources.

St. Luke's will work with Texas Children's Hospital, which willprovide pediatric services in the new integrated medical campus.Other participants on campus include TIRR Rehabilitation Centersfor physical therapy services, the Hospice at the Texas MedicalCenter, and the Texas Heart Institute. St. Luke's is continuing itsdiscussions with these entities to clarify and define theirrespective roles.