Further details have emerged about the upcoming Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, set to rise at 333 East Huron Street in Streeterville. Developed as an expansion of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the new tower will replace much of the long-vacant parcel owned by the hospital on the corner with North Fairbanks Court.
Site context map of Northwestern Memorial Expansion via Google Maps
Currently covered in grass, the site was once home to the Lakeside Veterans Affairs Hospital, which was demolished in 2009 after Northwestern purchased the property in 2008. It has remained dormant since, until last month when we covered the initial details for a new facility designed by Perkins & Will.
Details of new Northwestern Cancer Center via Northwestern
Diagram of new Northwestern Cancer Center by Perkins & Will
Now, further advanced plans show the tower occupying the western two-thirds of the site. It will be connected to the adjacent Feinberg building and the Erie/Ontario parking garage via skybridges. The building will rise from a multi-story podium that includes five operating rooms, multiple diagnostic imaging areas, back-of-house functions, and retail space.
Site flow map of new Northwestern Cancer Center by Perkins & Will
Above the podium, an angled tower will rise to approximately 400 feet, featuring multiple setbacks and terraces designed to maximize views of the city and lake. The interior will house 278 medical beds and 36 intensive care beds, along with clinics, laboratories, a pharmacy, and more. The design work is still in its early stages and is expected to cost around $56 million alone.
Site plan of new Northwestern Cancer Center by Perkins & Will
Rendering of new Northwestern Cancer Center by Perkins & Will
The new center will consolidate Northwestern’s cancer care, cardiology, neurology, and transplantation services under one roof. The team is also preserving the eastern third of the site for future expansion. While the final project cost has not yet been disclosed, the hospital has initiated the state approval process for the facility.
Site plan of new Northwestern Cancer Center by Perkins & Will
The project will also require city approval. With the first phase of work set to begin late 2026 and include the demolition of the ormer Veterans Affair Hospital basement. Construction will be led by Power Construction and UJAMAA Construction, with work on the new tower set to begin in 2027 and completed by 2031.
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Lots of high paying jobs and research. Good to see.
Of course, NW has a long history of building utterly forgettable and soulless towers, so I expect them not to disappoint yet again…
Rush is probably the ONE example in hundreds of miles and several states over of how a hospital can combine with interesting architecture.
What other great institutions do you have examples of that combine stellar design and highly complicated functioning institutions? The only “different” design came when medicine was overtaken by brutalism, and those facilities are depressing as hell.
The only hospitals that can do some interesting stuff are no more than 4 stories and a huge sprawl. Not even close to acceptable compared to Chicago’s needs/limitations of this site.
Navigating ArchDaily, all high-rise hospitals are essentially a repetition of floors and facade, like most we see today. They invest their funds in the equipment and facilities within. Perhaps we could incorporate more masonry instead of all glass and metal. However, they prioritize maximizing daylight in patient rooms and optimizing floor plan efficiency. I’d rather they focus on operating rooms rather than the roof’s crown.