Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is embarking on a significant construction project to expand its services in the northwest suburbs with a new 75,000-square-foot outpatient center in Schaumburg, Illinois. This project, managed by Skender, one of the top construction firms, highlights advancements in healthcare construction and the integration of state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for pediatric care.
The $60 million project managed by Skender involves constructing a modern facility that will include:
- Primary care
- Ancillary and diagnostic services
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- A laboratory
- Pharmacy services
- Ambulatory infusion center
This expansion is intended to replace smaller existing locations and centralize services to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Technical Details and Construction Phases
The new outpatient center, designed by HKS Architects, will be built on a site previously hosting smaller medical facilities. The construction process is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2025, with plans to open its doors to patients in August of the same year. The project team, including IMEG Corp. as the structural and mechanical engineers and V3 Companies as the civil engineers, is focusing on creating a building that is not only functional but also sustainable and conducive to healing.
The Daily Herald reports that the construction will feature advanced structural techniques suitable for medical facility requirements, focusing on durability and the flexibility to incorporate future technological advancements. Environmental considerations are also key, with efforts to minimize the carbon footprint during construction and in the building’s future operations.
Workforce and Job Opportunities
This project is not just a construction job but a significant opportunity for workers in the field to engage with specialized construction practices related to healthcare facilities. From the initial ground-breaking to the final touches, each phase of construction offers unique challenges and learning opportunities, especially in aspects like installing state-of-the-art medical equipment and ensuring the infrastructure supports complex healthcare technologies.
Impact on Local Economy and Community
The construction of the Lurie Children’s Outpatient Center is expected to provide numerous jobs and boost the local economy in Schaumburg. The project's scale and the duration imply prolonged employment opportunities ranging from construction workers and engineers to project managers and administrative support. Additionally, the center’s location was strategically chosen for accessibility, potentially increasing visitation and economic activity in the surrounding area.
Safety and Innovation on the Jobsite
Safety is paramount on any construction site, but it is especially critical in building healthcare facilities. Workers will be trained in and must adhere to stringent safety protocols to handle the specific risks associated with such projects. Moreover, the construction will incorporate innovative building techniques that prioritize energy efficiency, patient comfort, and integration into the surrounding urban fabric.
The construction of the Lurie Children’s Outpatient Center is a beacon project in the realm of healthcare infrastructure, offering construction professionals a chance to work on a project that blends traditional building methods with cutting-edge medical facility requirements. This project not only aims to provide better healthcare options for children but also enhances the skill set and experience of everyone involved in its construction.
