Historic Cook County Hospital in line for $1B Transformation

Cook County Hospital-1

Construction Dive states that construction will soon be starting on the $1 billion Skidmore, Owings and Merrill designed redevelopment of Chicago's historic Cook County Hospital. The ceremonial groundbreaking began on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 according to DataBid. The general contractor will be Walsh Construction, who also will be overseeing the non-structural, interior demolition. Restoration of the Beaux Arts facade will follow this project.

The transformation of this 102 year old building into a dual branded Hyatt House/Hyatt Place hotel, which will consist of 210 rooms, will be a major feat. 70,000 square feet will also be set aside for medical space and 4,000 square feet for a museum dedicated to the building's history. This building has been vacant for 16 years and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The developers on this project are as follows:

- Murphy Development Group

- Walsh Investors 

- Civic Health Development Group

- MB Real Estate

- Plenary Group

- Granite Companies

These developers have acquired $135 million in financing and Chicago taxpayers will not have to provide any capital or other subsidy for this project. A future consideration for this development could see the addition of mixed use residential, retail and office space on the county owned land directly next to it. This will be a huge undertaking as this building has been vacant for so long and has greatly deteriorated. When working on broken down, neglected buildings, original blueprints are often hard to find which ends up leaving the crews in possible danger as they move around these unstable buildings. Technology can greatly benefit at these times with the use of targets and laser scanners and can prevent major disasters and injuries. Even drones can assist in assessing damage or scoping out the work to be done.

 

Per the Chicago Tribune, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle stated that this venture will be an "anchor" for redevelopment in the Medical District and near West side of Chicago.

The old Cook County hospital, at 1835 W. Harrison St. was originally designed by architect Paul Gerhardt. It is very ornately designed and graced by pairs of fluted ionic columns and fully decoratively enhanced with faces of roaring lions to sweet cherubs. So many impoverished immigrants were treated at this hospital that is was often called Chicago's Ellis Island.

Cook County signed a 99 year lease with developers last year to redevelop this block long property.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel stated, "You see this incredible economic development, job opportunities and a new future that's coming to the near West Side".

 

"It's so wonderful to be here at a time when we're getting ready to do something with this building where I was born and to bring some life to a building that has given so much life to our city and our county and also the state of Illinois".

Alderman Walter Burnett

 

According to Chicago Curbed, this project is predicted to open in the summer of 2020. The first phase will target the main building. Phase two of the Cook County Hospital masterplan calls for a new building east of the main structure. Additional phases are still being finalized but are expected to consist of added new buildings highlighting residential, commercial and medical research factors.

DataBid has been tracking this project since April 2016. To receive alerts on this project and others, sign up now for a Free Trial.

 

Posted by Judy Lamelza

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