Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to Expand Cancer Treatment Center

The Park Ridge Zoning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals approved several measures in June to enable Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to expand its cancer treatment center. This development aims to transform it into a ‘comprehensive cancer center’ where all the hospital’s cancer care services, including diagnosis and treatment, will be consolidated in one building. This setup is designed to support patients throughout their treatment journey, as stated by the hospital’s president.

Hospital President Allison Wyler emphasized the importance of a dedicated facility, noting that it provides convenience as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for patients and healthcare providers. Wyler highlighted the benefits not only in terms of convenience but also in avoiding risks for immunocompromised patients who would otherwise navigate a general hospital setting. The primary goal is to offer patients everything they need in one place.

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

The hospital plans to expand its current Center for Advanced Care by adding two additional floors at 1700 Luther Lane. This extension will add 77,605 square feet to the existing 99,602 square feet. Variations for parking lot islands and space for a wall or fence were requested. Developers highlighted that the hospital currently lacks a wall or fence and propose using shrubs along the perimeter, enhancing the greenery and aiding stormwater drainage.

Steve Gregory, the landscape architect, explained to the zoning board of appeals that the project includes 10% more green space than required. He believes the shrubs create a more welcoming entry for cancer patients, calming their anxiety. The board approved both zoning variances.

With these approvals from the zoning boards, the matter will move to the city council, expected to discuss it in July. Although this isn’t the first comprehensive cancer center at an Advocate facility, Wyler anticipates it will become a destination center. Completion is projected for 2028, potentially bringing more jobs to the area, although exact numbers are currently undetermined.