Nearly a year after site-prep work began, the team behind the new Focal Point Community Campus in Little Village is moving into the second phase of remediation ahead of a groundbreaking. Located at 3201 West 31st Street, the campus will eventually include a new hospital building, among other facilities.
Site context of Focal Point development by HDR
Led by Saint Anthony Hospital and the Chicago Southwest Development Corporation, the 30-acre project will replace a former industrial site near the Chicago River. To prepare the site, the project team began the first phase of environmental remediation last April, which has now been completed by Tecnica Environmental Services.
Rendering of inner courtyard of Focal Point development by HDR
During this phase, 44,000 tons of toxic soil were removed and disposed of, multiple underground tanks were located and removed, and the foundations of many previous structures were demolished. Site grading for future construction was also completed on part of the land. The team will now move into a second phase, set to begin this year once the Illinois EPA signs off on the plans.
Phasing plans of Focal Point development by HDR
Once remediation is complete, construction can begin on the campus. This phase will also be split into stages, with the first focusing on a 12-story, 126-bed hospital tower. The project will include support spaces, medical office buildings, parking, and ample green space. Design firm HDR is still finalizing plans for future phases.
Exterior of Focal Point development by HDR
Building section of Focal Point Development by HDR
Based on previous drawings, the completed campus is expected to feature a large sports field component, a retail shopping plaza, a utility plant, a sports center, a vocational school, and additional parking. The entire project is expected to cost more than $600 million. Previous timelines called for a 2026 groundbreaking for the hospital, which may still be achieved. If so, the hospital could open in 2028.
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“44,000 tons of toxic soil were removed and disposed of”
Wow shouldn’t have even been there! Im so happy for this but for a different reason than others. Cleaning up the toxicity of the past in that area has been such a long battle that shouldve been a priority a long time ago. I lived in Pilsen during Rahm’s term and remember when politicians started to finally clean up the area but of course it was only when the area became investment potential. Either way, Im happy things are changing for those residents. Hazard removal AND more healthcare accessibility? Congrats LV!
Such a cool project. It’s nice to see this area being rejuvenated.
I work by 31st and Sacramento and would like to see a local breakfast and coffee shop!
If you build it they will come