Cook County Hospital

The story begins in the mid-19th century, as Chicago's population was rapidly expanding. The city's leaders faced the challenge of providing medical care for a growing number of indigent residents. Drs. George Amerman and Joseph Ross are often considered the godfathers of what would become Cook County Hospital. They led a crusade for a public hospital, initially leasing a building and contracting with the County to care for the sick poor. This laid the groundwork for the first official Cook County Hospital, which opened in a permanent building in 1866, establishing the country's first medical internship program that same year. For over a century, the hospital cemented its legacy not just as a safety net, but as a hub of medical innovation. It became known for establishing the world's first blood bank and the nation's first comprehensive trauma unit. The institution operated out of a grand Beaux-Arts building completed in 1916, which became a famous Chicago landmark. However, by the late 20th century, the historic facility was aging. A pivotal moment arrived in 2002 when services moved to a new, modern facility next door, the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. The old, iconic building was left vacant, and for nearly two decades it faced neglect and the threat of demolition. This period of uncertainty marked a significant turning point in the institution's physical legacy. The "acquisition" here wasn't by another company, but a reclamation of history. In 2018, a massive redevelopment project broke ground to transform the historic 1914 building. This venture repurposed the old hospital into a hotel, medical offices, and retail space, preserving the architectural landmark while giving it a new economic life.