What’s next for old Cook County Hospital?
You’ll have to wait a while to find out.
The county board’s construction committee agreed yesterday to defer voting on a $107 million rehabilitation of the old hospital until it gets a consensus opinion from the Cook County Health and Hospitals System board.
The hospital could be turned into office space for health system administrators. The building that currently houses the administration is out-of-date and due to be demolished.
When Stroger Hospital opened in 2002, plans called for the demolition of Cook County Hospital. Today that would cost about $3 million, according to Bruce Washington, the county's director of capital planning. To preserve the historic façade of the building would cost more than $85 million. It would cost that much build a new structure on the land.
“I think this has the potential to redevelop this building for the least amount of county dollars,” said Commissioner Larry Suffredin. “I think for Cook County to preserve it would be a major accomplishment and show our respect for the past.”
But some commissioners were cold to the idea of preserving the 95-year-old building, which is a state landmark and protected by the city.
“I think we are wasting $20 million to save the façade. It’s ridiculous,” said Commissioner Jerry Butler, who also serves on the health board. “Personally, I think the health system’s board would love to see it go, but won’t tell you.”
“I’ve never had someone come to Chicago and say I want to go see Stroger Hospital,” said Commissioner John Daley.
Even health system CEO William Foley wasn’t wild about the idea of renovating County.
“As far as we’re concerned, you can tear it down and let us use the space. But I recognize the efforts that are underway,” he said. “We need to have space for the health system’s offices, so that’s one concern. If I had my way, tear it down.”
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