(Alvin) - An affiliate of Rowland Cos. plans to build a $50 million Christus Health hospital and $10 million medical office building in the City of Alvin. The complex is slated for a 23-acre site near FM 528 and the State Highway 35 Bypass. The land is being purchased from Palicio Gate LP.

Phase one of the project includes a 26-bed, 60,000-sf hospital and 40,000-sf medical office building. Depending on demand, the hospital could to expand to 230,000 sf and a second 90,000-sf medical office building could be built.

Bill Rowland, chairman of Fort Worth-based Rowland Cos., wants to build in Alvin because he says there is a tremendous shortage of health care facilities around the small town south of Houston.