Complementing a hospital or two

Developers hope to support one or both of the new hospitals proposed for western Lake County with a new medical-office and retail project in Round Lake Beach.

Minneapolis-based Ryan Companies says its project, dubbed Fox Chase Medical Campus, will complement a new hospital, and provide residents with much needed health care services.

"We agree with Advocate and Vista that the western part of Lake County is vastly underserved in terms of quality health care services," said Jim McDonald, director of development for Ryan Companies.

Round Lake Beach Mayor Rich Hill said the village approved the development's basic concept several months ago.

"We're very excited about this project," Hill said. "It will put medical facilities much closer to our residents and surrounding residents, and hopefully attract other medical facilities."

The development will be anchored by a two-story, 50,000-square-foot medical office building near Route 83 and Rollins Road.

While it is unknown what types of health care facilities will be housed in the building, Hill said the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute is planning to lease space there.

It will also include 10,000 to 15,000 square feet of retail and specialists, such as chiropractors, eye doctors and medical imaging.

McDonald said he hopes to have village approval by the spring and begin construction this summer.

The location is close to two proposed hospital sites.

Advocate Health Care and Vista Heath System have applications in front of the Illinois Health Faculties Planning Board to build hospitals in Round Lake and Lindenhurst, respectively.

The state gives approval based on need, so it is likely only one proposal will be approved.

Planning board officials have said they don't anticipate a decision until at least April.

McDonald said Ryan Companies doesn't have a position on either hospital and is confident Fox Chase Medical Campus will thrive in the area regardless of the state's decision.