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Austin HOPE Center Tops Off as West Side Pediatric Hub Advances Toward 2026 Opening

Community leaders say the center will expand pediatric specialty access on the West Side to confront stark life expectancy gaps.

Overview

  • Crews installed a signed final steel beam during a topping-off ceremony at 5036 W. Chicago Ave., marking a key construction milestone.
  • The three-story, 25,000-square-foot facility is anchored by Lurie Children’s Hospital in partnership with Stone CDC, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and Thresholds, with Stone CDC to own and lease the space.
  • Clinical programming will prioritize pediatric behavioral and mental health and care for chronic conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure and sickle cell disease.
  • The $22 million project is financed with a $5 million city grant and New Market Tax Credits, and Stone CDC is still raising $4.8 million to retire its final loan.
  • Plans include community amenities such as educational spaces, a full-service Wintrust Bank branch and administrative offices for Thresholds.