Streeterville Embraces Northwestern's Ambitious Cancer Center as Community Meetings Show Strong Support

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Streeterville · December 6, 2025

Northwestern Memorial Hospital's planned 1.2 million-square-foot cancer tower received enthusiastic backing from Streeterville residents at a recent community meeting, even as some voiced hopes for preserving green space. The ambitious project, set to rise at 333 East Huron Street, will consolidate Northwestern's cancer care services currently spread across five different buildings into a state-of-the-art medical facility.

After listening to Northwestern officials outline the proposal, residents were mostly supportive, though many also expressed appreciation for the neighborhood's green spaces. "It was so nice of the hospital to plant wildflowers there that we can enjoy," noted Deborah Gershbein, president of Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), who co-hosted the meeting with Alderman Brian Hopkins. The tree-lined lot of more than 3 acres is bordered by Fairbanks Court, Huron Street, McClurg Court and Erie Street.

Global architecture firm Perkins & Will is designing the tower, with Northwestern hoping to break ground in 2027 and complete construction by 2031. Alderman Hopkins assured residents their input would shape final plans, stating: "What you're doing matters. It is not a waste of time at all. There are no foregone conclusions here." The new Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center will bring cutting-edge healthcare facilities closer to neighborhood residents while creating hundreds of construction jobs in the coming years. Residents interested in future planning sessions can contact SOAR for upcoming meeting dates.

Sources:
1. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/streeterville-residents-back-northwestern-hospital-205600268.html
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/northwestern-medicine-outlines-plan-new-hospital-tower