Governor Releases Funds for Illinois Medical Center District Project

SPRINGFIELD ­­ Governor George H. Ryan today announced the release of $3.5 million in state bond funds to construct a new Laboratory and Research Biotech Graduation Facility at the Illinois Medical Center District in Chicago.

"The Medical District is the largest urban medical district in the nation. It is Chicago's third largest employer and the state's leader in medical training and educational research," Ryan said. "This project will allow for continued improvement of its valuable infrastructure resources."

The new 20,000 square­foot, pre­cast concrete and steel framed biotech research laboratory building will include offices and lab space with building systems to accommodate standard and laboratory uses. It will be constructed on the site known as Block 2, bounded by Harrison, Leavitt and Oakley Streets and Campbell Parkway on Chicago's near west side. The project is currently in the program analysis phase and will be designed by the Chicago architectural firm CUH2A Inc.

Funding is provided through the Capital Development Board (CDB). As the state's construction management agency, CDB will contract for the work and oversee the project.