Lake Forest Approves Hospital Revitalization Plan

Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital received unanimous approval Tuesday from the Lake Forest City Council for the overall site plan and architectural design of its new hospital facility.

The approval comes after an 18-month process which included review and input by the Lake Forest Plan Commission and a Hospital Advisory Committee appointed at the direction of the City Council. The centerpiece of the revitalization plan is a replacement hospital and medical office facilities to meet the healthcare needs of Lake County.

“We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response we have received from community members, the Plan Commission and City Council members to our revitalization plan and the design for the replacement hospital building,” said Thomas McAfee, president of Northwestern Lake Forest. “The redesigned campus will continue the hospital’s long tradition of providing top-quality health care to the residents of Lake County."

At the recommendation of the Lake Forest Plan Commission, the City Council approved the Campus Master Use Plan in fall of 2012 and directed the appointment of an Advisory Committee to work with the hospital project team during the design phase for the replacement hospital facility and the surrounding campus. 

With the endorsement of the Advisory Committee, the hospital presented the overall site plan, architectural design, lighting and landscape concept plans to the Plan Commission in October 2013 and community members were given an opportunity to comment on the design. In December 2013 the Plan Commission approved the plans, moving it to the full City Council for the Jan. 21 approval.

“The outstanding design for the new hospital is the result of the cooperative work of the hospital’s project team, the Hospital Advisory Committee and city officials,” said Donald Schoenheider, mayor of Lake Forest. “We thank Northwestern Lake Forest’s leadership and architectural team for working closely with the community to understand our unique history and aesthetic in Lake Forest. Northwestern Lake Forest will continue to be a tremendous asset to our community and to all Lake County residents who come to it for care.”