Old county hospital back in play

The old Cook County Hospital building might be resuscitated after all.

Vacated in 2002 and spared the wrecking ball in 2004, thanks to preservationists, the West Side hospital might be turned into administrative offices under a $108 million proposal outlined by county planners.

The county's Office of Capital Planning and Policy is asking county commissioners to green light the renovation project, turning the century-old building into offices for Cook County Health and Hospitals System CEO William Foley and others.

Administrators would be moved from the converted nurses dormitory at 1900 W. Polk, slated for demolition.

"I think this hospital is a significant building, it is a solid building, it is a good piece of architecture and I think what we're doing is giving it new life," said Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin.

Planners would seek tax increment financing from the city of Chicago to help pay the renovation tab, according to the proposal.

Jonathan Fine, executive director of Preservation Chicago, praised officials for working to revive the building at 1835 W. Harrison, best known for its impressive Beaux-Arts facade.