Next on our list of Chicago’s Tallest Countdown is Rush University Medical Center’s new 10-story ambulatory care healthcare building at 1520 W Harrison Street in the northwest corner of Little Italy. Known as the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building following a significant gift from the namesake couple, the nearly completed facility stands 179 feet to its architectural pinnacle. Despite this height, planning documents indicate that a future expansion could bring the final height to 205 feet. The structure connects directly to the clover-shaped Rush University main building, with a 150-foot skybridge connecting the two edifices over Ashland Avenue.
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building (bottom) and Rush University Medical Center main building (top). Photo by Jack Crawford
The scope of the 450,000-square-foot project includes over 300 clinical rooms with space for examinations, treatments, and infusions, as well as state-of-the-art imaging and radiation technology. The building will also house a pharmacy, acupuncture and massage rooms, and patio space. As can be seen in recent construction photos, a new 900-car parking garage has been built adjacently north of the building.
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building (right) and Rush University Medical Center main building (left). Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building (right) and Rush University Medical Center main building (left). Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
With collaborative input from Nia Architects, HDR is the design architect. The rectangular massing rounds at the northwest and southeast corners, while the exterior presents as two different facades. The north- and west-facing sides are a transparent glass curtain wall with a pattern that’s comprised of different levels of tinting. Meanwhile, the south- and east-facing sides exhibit a more opaque quality via a dark brick cladding and columns of windows interspersed. The skybridge is made up of truss-like pieces enshrouded in a glass and metal sheath.
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building (right) and Rush University Medical Center main building (left). Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Visual by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Visual by Jack Crawford
Rush Medical’s latest installment is conveniently located directly south of I-290, while also surrounded by a mix of bus and rail options. Closest bus service is available for Routes 7, 9, and X9, with stops at the adjacent corner of Ashland & Harrison. Other buses within walking distance can be found for Routes 50, 60, 126, 157, and 755. For the CTA L, both the Blue Line and Pink Line are available nearby, located via a seven-minute walk northwest and an eight-minute walk southwest, respectively.
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Visual by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Photo by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. Visual by Jack Crawford
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building (blue). Visual by Jack Crawford
At a reported construction cost of $450 million, Power Construction is serving as general contractor. This mighty medical edifice has a completion date targeted for next year.
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Is rush hospital tower in Chicago lights up at night tonight