Advocate Health has submitted a proposal for a comprehensive cancer center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, with an estimated cost of $99.1 million. This ambitious project aims to consolidate outpatient oncology services, currently dispersed across the hospital campus, into a single, integrated hub. The plan includes a two-floor expansion of the hospital’s Center for Advanced Care and a significant renovation of nearby outpatient laboratory space.
The proposed facility will encompass approximately 83,000 square feet of space, combining 77,605 square feet of new construction with 5,813 square feet of existing area upgrades. Hospital officials assert that the revamped center will enhance infusion, transplant, and cellular-therapy capabilities while centralizing hematology and oncology clinics. This move is intended to improve patient access and convenience, eliminating the need for patients to navigate between multiple buildings on the campus. Completion and full operational status are expected by the end of 2028, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Details of the Proposed Center
Advocate’s application to the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board outlines a comprehensive plan for the cancer center. The project focuses on unifying various hematology and oncology clinics, expanding the transplant and cellular-therapy (TCT) program, and enhancing infusion services. Plans include modernizing an outpatient laboratory in the adjacent building and increasing space availability for clinical trials, supportive care, and patient navigation services.
The proposal reflects a broader trend within the Chicago area, where health systems are investing heavily in cancer care facilities. For instance, Duly Health & Care has initiated the development of the Brian Moran Cancer Institute in Lisle, set to open on December 15, 2025. Additionally, the University of Chicago Medicine is constructing a freestanding cancer pavilion in Hyde Park, which will span 575,000 square feet and is slated to open in 2027.
Next Steps in the Approval Process
The Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board will conduct a thorough evaluation of Advocate’s proposal, which includes a period for public comment and a possible hearing before a final decision is rendered. The Board’s role is to assess whether the project meets documented community needs without duplicating existing services.
If approved, Advocate Health will proceed to construction, aiming to align with its operational target by the end of 2028. For residents in Park Ridge and surrounding suburbs, this development promises increased access to oncology services and infusion capacity within their local area.
As healthcare systems continue to view cancer care, especially outpatient services, as a pivotal area for investment, Advocate Health’s initiative underscores the growing competition among major health organizations to enhance cancer treatment availability. The organization has not yet provided detailed information regarding staffing plans or the timeline for the new center.
