Medical society plans $20 million headquarters in Schaumburg
The American Society of Anesthesiologists plans to leave its longtime headquarters in Park Ridge as part of a $20 million expansion move to Schaumburg.
The professional medical society, which has about 50,000 members nationwide, will build a 70,000-square-foot facility on a vacant lot at 1110 American Lane, near Golf and Meacham roads. It closed two weeks ago on a $2.75 million deal to buy the 6.6-acre property from credit-rating company Experian.
“We’ve been growing dramatically,” Executive Vice President John Thorner said. “This new building will accommodate our staff and allow for the possibility of classrooms, lecture halls and simulation centers.”
Thorner said that continuing education requirements for specialists such as anesthesiologists became more rigorous several years ago, with a new requirement that exams be taken every 10 years. The educational, research and scientific association has played an increased role in preparing its members for recertification.
As a result, the American Society of Anesthesiologists in the past four years has grown its local staff from about 50 to 110 people. Another 20 employees are based in Washington, D.C.
Thorner said that in researching the relocation, the doctors’ group sought a spot relatively close to O’Hare International Airport, hotels and restaurants.
Rosemont had potential, but expensive parking structures would be needed whereas the American Lane site will offer plenty of surface parking, plus room to expand to 100,000 square feet.
Thorner said the association, which has been located in Park Ridge for the last 40 years and been in its current 33,000-square-foot building at 520 N. Northwest Highway since 1991, considered staying put and expanding.
It purchased a former car dealership and leveled the building. However, the doctors’ group decided the area was too residential for its needs and will instead sell both properties.
“We love being in Park Ridge, but it just doesn’t have the hotels and restaurants we’re looking for,” Thorner said.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists hopes to break ground early next year and move in early 2014.