Thursday, February 05, 2004
Chicago Tribune
by Mickey Ciokajlo

Five developers presented their ideas for reusing the old Cook County Hospital on Wednesday, leaving some county commissioners who previously had advocated demolition of the building with second thoughts.

Although County Board President John Stroger wants the building torn down, the board has stalled action on approving demolition, allowing the developers an opportunity to make their presentations.

The ideas presented Wednesday ranged from using the vacant 90-year-old West Side hospital for office space for doctors, to using it for residences for medical students or other mixed-uses including a hotel.

The developers presented a variety of funding schemes that would allow the structure to be renovated without additional costs to the county.

"I thought some of the proposals were very good," Commissioner Jerry Butler, who in the past has stated his readiness to vote in favor of demolition, said after the meeting. "If they can deliver all that they say they can deliver, we would be foolish not to consider it."

The presentations were made at a joint meeting of the county's Health and Hospitals Committee, which Butler chairs, and the Construction Committee.

No vote was taken during Wednesday's session. Butler said the committees would report back to the County Board at its next meeting Feb. 19.

Commissioner Larry Suffredin, a leading advocate for preserving the old hospital, said he hopes the board at its next meeting defeats the proposed demolition bid. He would like to see Stroger's administration then go forward with formal requests for proposals from developers.

Stroger, who has been firm in his position that the old building should come down, did not attend Wednesday's meeting.

Commissioner Bobbie Steele, whose West Side district includes the hospital, said after the meeting that she had once believed it should go but is no longer sure.

Steele said she was "really impressed" with one of the presentations, adding that she would seek her constituents' input. Steele said she "took a beating" a few years ago for supporting a proposal to build a new traffic court on the West Side, which was unpopular in her district. The court project ultimately was canceled.

"I don't want to take a beating for tearing a building down," Steele said.

Joan Murphy, a first-term commissioner from Crestwood who opposes demolition, said she doubted any positions were switched Wednesday.

But, she said, "It gives us more talking points. It gives us more arguments."