Initial details have been revealed for the expansion of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Streeterville. Located at 333 East Huron Street, at the corner of North Fairbanks Court, the new tower would replace a long-vacant grassy lot in the heart of the neighborhood. It will be situated across the street from the Feinberg Pavilion and the research tower completed in 2019.

Former Lakeside Veterans Affairs Hospital tower via Northwestern

Former Lakeside Veterans Affairs Hospital tower via TheeErin
The site has remained a manicured, fenced-off lawn since the former Lakeside Veterans Affairs Hospital tower was demolished in 2009. However, Northwestern’s history with the lot dates back to 2005, when it purchased 70 percent of the land for $22 million, eventually acquiring the remainder in 2008 from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Site context map of Northwestern Memorial Expansion via Google Maps
Now, the university is seeking to expand its footprint and capacity, while consolidating its cancer facilities into a single, state-of-the-art location. Designed by Perkins & Will, the new structure will add 278 medical beds and 36 intensive care beds, according to Crain’s. Additionally, it will include five new operating rooms and multiple diagnostic imaging areas.

Current view of 333 E Huron St via Google Maps

Northwestern Research Center via Northwestern
The building will become the new home of the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center. This comes as other institutions, such as the University of Chicago, are also building dedicated cancer centers. Consolidating six existing wards is expected to increase efficiency and improve the quality of care, while also bringing services like cardiology, neurology, and transplantation under one roof.
With design costs projected to reach $56 million, the overall project cost could climb to as much as $1 billion. Plans for the new facility will be presented to the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board this September, with a potential completion date set for 2031.
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Wow, I’m so glad to see something finally going into this lot. It’s such a prime location. The other building they have just north of this location is really nice
It would be great if they could make sure the building massing preserved as much of the view of the McClurg Ct.facade of the American Furniture Mart, but I suppose they will just fill the 100% of the allowable envelope.
The prairie that’s been cultivated on this land is so lovely in the warmer months. It’s so disappointing that it’s fenced off with no public access.
I know there are reasons (insurance, security concerns, and not wanting to have to face the PR hit of building a new facility on “park land”) but I don’t think any of those reasons are good enough. Hospitals and universities are non-profit entities whose mission is to serve the public good, and they should have allowed some level of public access (even if within their legal rights to restrict it).
“Hospitals and universities are non-profit entities whose mission is to serve the public good…” My friend I’m not sure if you’re that naïve or just wishful thinking, or but hospitals, Northwestern in particular, are not there for the public good. Despite that’s what you might believe per their pr. It’s a huge money making enterprise just like any others. It’s an enterprise that your community cannot live without and they know that.
I have to say the building itself looks striking. Well – the green continues on the roof if not at street level.
I don’t think there’s a rendering of the building. The research center in the last picture already exists!
Finally!
Wow that’s cynical and false. But Northwestern Medicine and Northwestern University are literally non-profit institutions. Sure, lots of doctors and administrators make tons of money there but their operating model is not based on generating returns for investors. And the staff I know there are all in it to help their fellow humans. I’m sorry if you had a bad experience with the healthcare system.
Hopefully, Northwestern will keep 1/3 to 1/4 of the area dedicated to open public space. Such refuges are important for visitors and staff to escape the hustle and anxiety of hospitals. Additionally, a setback on the east side of the parcel would be welcome to avoid encroaching on the American Furniture Mart.