Chicago Construction News staff writer
Advocate Health Care on Saturday broke ground on a $300 million hospital on the city’s South Side, marking a major step in a long-term plan to expand access to care and replace an aging facility.
More than 300 community members, elected officials and partners attended the ceremony at the former U.S. Steel South Works site along the lakefront, where the new hospital will be built.
The project will replace Advocate Trinity Hospital, which is more than 115 years old, with a modern inpatient facility offering emergency, specialty and acute care services.
The hospital is part of a broader $1 billion investment by Advocate Health Care focused on expanding healthcare access across Chicago’s South Side, including new neighborhood care sites, expanded outpatient services and workforce development programs.
“In parts of Chicago’s South Side, the average life expectancy is nearly 30 years shorter than just a few miles to the north. That’s not acceptable and it’s why we’re here,” said Eugene Woods, chief executive of Advocate Health. “This $1 billion investment is about more than buildings.”
Woods said the project aims to improve health outcomes and create job opportunities through healthcare careers and local hiring.
Officials said the hospital site was selected after extensive community engagement, including meetings and listening sessions with residents, faith leaders and local organizations.
“This moment reflects years of partnership with the South Side community and a shared commitment to doing something different,” said Michelle Y. Blakely. “We’re not just building a hospital.”
The new facility will include 52 inpatient beds, including medical-surgical, intensive care, observation and dialysis units. It will also feature a 16-bed emergency department, diagnostic imaging, a cardiac catheterization lab and robotic surgery capabilities.
