Expansion of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital’s Cancer Treatment Center Approved

The Park Ridge Zoning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals recently approved several proposals enabling Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to expand its cancer treatment center. This expansion aims to transform the existing facility into what is described as a ‘comprehensive cancer center’. This center will consolidate all of the hospital’s cancer care services, providing diagnostic, treatment, and various care components for patients in a singular location.

Allison Wyler, President of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, emphasized the importance of a dedicated facility. She explained that having a separate building is beneficial, as it provides a centralized location for patients and healthcare providers. In a phone interview, Wyler remarked, ‘It’s risky for immunocompromised patients to navigate a general hospital setting. This dedicated center brings convenience and safety.’

Wyler noted that the facility offers predictable elements of the cancer journey while accommodating the unique needs of each patient. She stated, ‘The environment we plan to create will center on patients and teams, supporting the patient journey in a comprehensive manner.’

The expansion involves adding two more floors to the Center for Advanced Care, which currently resides at 1700 Luther Lane. This addition will increase the center’s size by 77,605 square feet, adding to the existing 99,602 square feet.

The hospital requested zoning variations related to parking lot islands and perimeter barriers. Developers clarified that other parts of the hospital lack fences or walls. Instead, they propose installing shrubs along the property border, enhancing the entryway with greenery to compensate for the parking lot changes. This green space will aid in stormwater drainage.

Steve Gregory, a landscape architect involved in the project, addressed the zoning board, stating the greenery exceeds the required green space by about 10%. He believes this approach provides a more welcoming entrance, alleviating patient anxiety. The zoning board approved the requested variances, agreeing with the proposal’s benefits.

Following the zoning boards’ approval, the proposal will proceed to the city council, potentially in July. This center will not be the first of its kind at an Advocate facility, but Wyler anticipates it becoming a destination center. Although precise patient numbers remain uncertain, she expects the center to be completed by 2028. Additionally, she foresees job creation in the area as a result of this expansion.