Old Cook County Hospital on track to become next city landmark

In the midst of an overhaul after sitting vacant for 16 years, the old Cook County Hospital, at 1835 W. Harrison St., may soon be given landmark status, solidifying its historical significance in Chicago.

The city's 18-member Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards will get the ball rolling Thursday on whether the building deserves the designation.

If the committee decides it does, the matter will go before the full city council on Wednesday.

The Near West Side building already is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alderman Walter Burnett (27th) was born in the hospital and is pushing for landmark status.

"It's been in our history a long time," Burnett said. "I think it's something that … architecturally is historic, it's solid and it's part of Chicago and Cook County history and I think that's something to preserve. The unique thing … is that it's a building we're trying giving life back to and it's a place where so many lives started."

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