frequently asked questions

why is northwestern medicine building in bronzeville?

​We believe everyone deserves access to world-class care close to where they live and work. That’s why, over the past several years, Northwestern Medicine has been investing in outpatient sites across the Chicago area and beyond. 

In 2019, a review of patient data showed that about 1,000 people from Bronzeville and the surrounding areas must leave their local community each day to seek care at a Northwestern Medicine site. From that same review, nearly 840 people travel to a Northwestern Medicine site for an outpatient visit, and more than 160 are cared for in a hospital bed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. 

After reviewing the data and considering our long-term partnerships within Bronzeville and the surrounding communities, we made the decision to build Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center.

what is the expected impact of the project?

Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center is expected to serve more than 50,000 patients and family members from Bronzeville and nearby communities every year. And, we expect to create more than 1,000 construction jobs and 130 permanent healthcare and related jobs.

In 2020, Northwestern Medicine hired a new recruitment manager to identify job candidates from Chicago's South and West Sides. This will help ensure that patients in Bronzeville will be treated by an inclusive workforce, including nurses and physicians, that mirrors the diversity in the community.

who are the medical leaders involved in the project?

Kimbra A. Bell, MD, is the medical director of the facility. She and more than 200 other system physicians, clinicians, employees and community members have contributed their experience and insights to this project. Their valuable feedback has guided the plan for the clinical services and design of Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center.

what design firms are involved in the project?

Brook Architecture and Lamar Johnson Collaborative have led a diverse team of partners throughout the greater Chicago area, including design partners from Bronzeville.

what construction companies are involved in the project?

Northwestern Medicine has a long-standing relationship with the Bronzeville community. We look forward to working together even more closely during this project. We are committed to connecting with individuals, businesses and government bodies to ensure that we are serving the needs of the community.

Over the past decade, Northwestern Medicine has listened to Bronzeville residents, businesses and community-based organizations to understand how we can best serve this community. We see Bronzeville Outpatient Center as the next phase in strengthening the historic and mutually beneficial relationship between our organization and the Bronzeville community.
 
​Nearly 50% of our professional service contracts are with businesses owned by women and people from historically underrepresented groups. The construction team is a joint venture, with one of these diverse firms acting as the lead partner.

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