June 2018
Transformation of Historic Cook County Hospital Begins with Groundbreaking Ceremony
CHICAGO, IL – Construction is underway on the first phase of the redevelopment of the historic Cook County Hospital, which has stood vacant since 2002. Walsh Construction joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, elected officials and project leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony to officially begin the transformation of the 345,000-square-foot structure.
The redevelopment will convert the hospital into a 210-room dual branded Hyatt House and Hyatt Place hotel. The project will also deliver 75,000 square feet of medical office space and 25,000 square feet of retail space. An additional feature will be a 4,000-square-foot museum that will honor the history of the longtime medical institution.
"The redevelopment of old Cook County Hospital will be an anchor for redevelopment throughout the medical district and near west side of Chicago. This project creates a lasting urban transformation in the heart of our county," said Preckwinkle.
The project is led by Chicago-based Murphy Development Group, the leading member of Civic Health Development Group, which is a joint venture that also consists of MB Real Estate, Walsh Investors, Plenary Group, and Granite Companies. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is the lead designer and they will collaborate with Koo Interiors. Walsh Construction is the general contractor.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to continue the tradition of our firm working with Cook County Hospital, the County Board and the City of Chicago. We look forward to working with the community, Alderman Burnett, all the stakeholders and members of this West Side community," said Matt Walsh, co-chairman of Walsh Construction.
The first phase is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2020.