In advance of its June 9th grand opening, Lurie Children's Hospital offered tours of its new facility in Streeterville. The $855 million hospital was financed in part by a sizable philanthropic gift of $100 million from Ann & Robert H. Lurie. The move from Lincoln Park to Northwestern University’s medical campus will put it in closer proximity to Prentice Women's Hospital, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and the Ronald McDonald House, which is set to open this summer. Designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects, the 288-bed, 23-story building will offer state-of-the-art medical care with a kid-friendly touch.
It's clear that patient input was instrumental in the design of the new hospital. We encountered a dizzying array of fun-filled amenities for the kiddos. There's a teen lounge, aquarium, and fire truck play area. "Family great rooms" will provide comfy areas for families seeking to relax and feel at home, all while staying close to their children. Kids can access the "Get Well Network," which allows them to watch movies, TV shows, and surf the net. Even the state-of-the-art CT scanner room has been outfitted with fun artwork to calm nervous children as they undergo tests. As for the hospital's signature design feature, it would have to be the 5000-square foot Crown Sky Garden. Designed by landscape architect Mikyoung Kim, the expansive, tree-filled space is an ideal oasis for patients--and a fitting conclusion to our tour.
·Look inside Chicago's newest hospital, Lurie Children's Hospital [ABC7 Chicago]
·Crown Sky Garden Grows at New Children's Hospital [WGN]
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