Cook County Bureau of Economic Development Hosts Ideas Workshop “Charrette” to Gather Insight on Potential Mixed-Use Redevelopment of Old Cook County Hospital Building

What should happen to the old Cook County Hospital? The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, is hosting an open ideas workshop charrette to generate feedback and ideas about the potential future of the site.

The two-week charrette will kick off with an event on Tuesday, September 23 featuring a presentation from Cook County leadership on the redevelopment process, insights from civic organizations, public comments, and a hands-on workshop. Over the next two weeks, invited organizations and other interested parties will create development briefs suggesting possible uses and design concepts for the site.

The charrette results will be presented at a second event at the Chicago Architecture Foundation on Tuesday, October 7. Metropolitan Planning Council, Landmarks Illinois, Chicago Central Area Committee, Lambda Alpha/Ely Chapter and others will offer design/development concepts, followed by a panel discussion.

Information on both free events is as follows:

Unlocking the Value of the Old Cook County Hospital: Open Forum and Charrette Kickoff

Tuesday, September 23, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.. in the Hektoen Building Auditorium, 627 S. Wood Street

Registration is encouraged, but not required. Visit www.cookcountyil.gov/CCHHSRedevelopment to register

Charrette Results and Panel Discussion

Tuesday, October 7, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (reception 5-6p.m., program 6-8 p.m.)

LOCATION: CAF Lecture Hall, 224 S. Michigan Avenue

Space is limited and registration is required. Visit www.cookcountyil.gov/CCHHSRedevelopment to register

“We believe that there’s an inherent value in the former Cook County Hospital building, which has been vacant since 2002. Our goal with this redevelopment process is to attempt to unlock that value,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said. “Previous redevelopment efforts focused solely on the building itself. With this effort, we’re asking civic groups, members of the public, and eventually developers, to think not only about the Hospital building itself, but also the spaces surrounding it.”

Background

In March 2014, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the engagement of a strategic professional team (led by The Chicago Consultants Studio) to guide the redevelopment of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS) Campus on Chicago’s Near West Side. The project is comprised of two parts: 1) solving for CCHHS’ core medical needs and 2) creating mixed-use redevelopment opportunities that leverage the old Cook County Hospital structure and its surrounding land to generate revenue for the County. The County intends to issue separate RFPs for both projects in fall 2014.

About the Cook County Hospital

Old Cook County Hospital, located at 1835 W. Harrison Street, was built in 1914 and replaced by John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in 2002. The remaining former hospital structure was previously used as the administrative wing and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

About the Chicago Architecture Foundation

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. The Chicago Architecture Foundation pursues this mission through architecture tours, exhibitions, panel discussions and youth and adult education programs.