Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Expands Cancer Treatment Facility

The Park Ridge Zoning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals gave the green light in June for Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to expand its cancer treatment center. This approval allows the hospital to develop a ‘comprehensive cancer center.’ The new center will centralize all cancer care, including diagnosis and treatment, under one roof.

Allison Wyler, President of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, emphasized the advantages of having a dedicated facility. She noted that it offers a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ for patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, the standalone center is safer for immunocompromised patients than a general hospital setting.

“There are elements of a cancer journey that are very predictable,” Wyler said. “And there are elements that are very specific to each patient. The environment we are going to be creating allows it to be very patient-centered and team-centered, to support the entire patient journey.”

The hospital intends to expand the existing Center for Advanced Care by adding two floors at 1700 Luther Lane. This addition will increase the space from 99,602 square feet to 177,207 square feet.

The hospital requested zoning variances, including modifications for required parking lot islands and space for a wall or fence. Developers proposed using shrubs along the perimeter instead, along with increased green space to compensate for the removal of parking lot islands. Steve Gregory, the landscape architect, highlighted that this greener entryway exceeds the required green space by 10% and provides a welcoming atmosphere for patients.

“It helps calm people down who are anxious about where they’re headed,” Gregory told the board.

Both zoning variances were approved. The city council is expected to consider the proposal in July.

Wyler mentioned this center is not the first of its kind at an Advocate facility but expects it to serve as a destination for patients. The construction is projected to be completed by 2028. While specific job numbers are not yet available, Wyler anticipates the new center will create additional employment opportunities in the area.

Reporter: Jesse Wright, Pioneer Press.