Medical group to build new HQ in Schaumburg

Attracted by the proximity of hotels and restaurants, the American Society of Anesthesiologists will be moving its national headquarters from Park Ridge to a new building in Schaumburg in 2014.

Schaumburg trustees Tuesday approved the site plan for a three-story, 71,365-square-foot building at 1061 American Lane, across from John Barleycorn restaurant.

Architect Michael J. Kelly of Tilton, Kelly & Bell LLC in Chicago said the new building will have a conference center intended to be visited by people from across the country for training seminars.

It was important to the American Society of Anesthesiologists that this be within a building of its own with its own distinct identity, Kelly added.

“It’s a professional association,” he said. “It’s a strong symbol for their membership.”

Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said the village staff was impressed with the design of the building, including its facade of glass and metal panels.

The village is also pleased that the building will bring about 110 regular employees to patronize to nearby stores and restaurants — not to mention the out-of-town visitors that are expected.

“It’s not just that it’s a new building, it’s a business that wants to be in Schaumburg,” Fitzgerald said.

Before it embarked on this expansion of its current headquarters, the American Society of Anesthesiologists conducted a search for where it should be, Kelly said.

Not only did the organization seek to remain within reasonable transportation distance of the airport — as it already is in Park Ridge — but it also wanted to ensure there would be sufficient amenities nearby for visitors, he said.

The society expects to break ground on the site sometime this spring, with hopes of moving into the completed building in May 2014, Kelly said.