March 29, 2007

Northwestern takes steps for Children’s move

Northwestern has filed an amendment with the City of Chicago to the University’s planned development of the Chicago campus to enable Children’s Memorial Hospital to move to the campus. This formal request to the City of Chicago begins the approval process for construction of the new Children’s Memorial, which would be located on Chicago Avenue, west of Fairbanks Court.

Children’s Memorial hopes to break ground on the project next year and open the new facility in 2012.

The move of Children’s Memorial to the Chicago campus is considered a key step in the efforts of the University and its affiliated hospitals to continue the development of a truly great academic medical center.

Northwestern University, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Children’s Memorial Hospital have been involved for months in planning this project. Northwestern studies show that when Children’s Memorial is completed in 2012, there will be more than adequate parking on site for all patients of the medical facilities and their visitors and for most faculty and staff. The University and its affiliated hospitals are developing plans for additional parking, improved shuttle bus service and other transportation services for faculty and staff.

As plans for the new hospital are more fully developed, Children’s Memorial officials will share them with the Northwestern community and neighborhood residents. The Chicago Plan Commission and Chicago City Council are expected to review the amendment later this year.