From the CEO
A summer we will never forget
Greetings Friends,
If you’re anything like me, you were all smiles after the high of welcoming thousands of visitors to Chicago in August. On behalf of the IMD Commission, let me extend a heartfelt thank you to our hospital partners and law enforcement for a successful convention week, and for keeping our City and the IMD safe and operational during this once in a generation security event. Months of preparation, most of which the public didn’t see, went into ensuring that the IMD was ready for any eventuality should the need arise. And while we are so thankful that the convention was a positive experience, we also want to acknowledge the careful plans our hospital systems enacted to care for the sick or injured if need be.
The party started early for IMDC when on August 15, after more than a year of planning, we were proud to open the new IMD Welcome Plaza. Located at 1900 W Harrison St, across from the Old Cook County Hospital Building and a short walk from all IMD hospital systems, the Welcome Plaza features large illuminated “IMD” letters, seating, and landscaping for the public. Additionally, S Wolcott Ave was “pedestrianized” with large planters, the first of five transformative projects identified in the IMD’s Bike and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (BPSAP) announced earlier this year. Keep an eye out for a ground mural planned for S Wolcott Ave in the future, and we hope the Welcome Plaza will be a place of calm and relaxation for you on your next visit.
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But we didn’t stop there, and on August 20 we welcomed hundreds of visitors to IMD Arts Fest 2024: Dream Big. This ambitious event spanned across our new Welcome Plaza, and green space to the east generously offered by Cook County, and featured local painters, dancers, singers, performers, DJs, food, and so much more. Attendees spent the day in the sun enjoying live performances, interactive art activities, and enjoying tasty treats. It is inspiring watching these community events grow more and more each year, so thank you to everyone who stopped by!
The next day, on August 21 we were honored to welcome former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy to the IMD for a discussion on current national mental health policy. This thoughtful and wide-ranging talk focused on mental health and substance use treatments, including the importance of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Thank you to everyone who attended, especially those who shared their personal stories with us.
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On September 10, I was proud to pe a panelist at the Hospital, Outpatient Facilities and Medical Office Building Summit hosted by the Association of Medical Facility Professionals discussing how facilities can sustain a great healthcare system. Thank you to all who participated, including fellow panelists from our partners Cook County Health, Jesse Brown VA, and Rush Hospital. And on September 12, we were excited to host the Economic Club of Chicago at the Old Cook County Hospital Building now Hyatt Place for a member exchange event. Guests enjoyed IMD-inspired cocktails and got a behind-the-scenes look at the history of this iconic building. Also, on September 25, in recognition of September being Suicide Prevention Month, the IMDC was honored to host an in-person and virtual discussion, “Breaking The Silence: A Conversation On Suicide Awareness and Mental Health” in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Thank you to all who opened your hearts and shared your stories during this healing event. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741.
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You may have noticed some activity around 2023 W Ogden Ave in recent months, and now we can finally discuss the future plans for that site. The derelict building that we previously partnered with local graffiti artists with to turn into a canvas for street art has been demolished, and we have now begun planning for what will take its place. I’m excited to announce that in September, after an exhaustive search, the IMDC selected Site Design Group as the landscape architecture firm to reimagine that parcel as a new public space for the IMD community. In many ways, geographically and symbolically, that space sits at the heart of the IMD, and we are determined to make it an inclusive community space like no other, one that the IMD and our City can be proud of for generations to come. Stay tuned for more as that project starts to ramp up and we begin to engage the community about what they would like to see in that space.
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This fall is shaping up to be a busy one for the IMDC and our partners looking to finish the year strong. First, let me personally extend an invitation to you to attend the Chicago Lighthouse Rise to Shine Run and Walk taking place in the IMD on Sunday, October 20. For the third year in a row, hundreds of racers and champions will meet in the IMD to participate in Chicago’s only race that prioritizes accessibility and equal participation for all. There’s also kids race and a free Fitness Fest for All, so I encourage all of you to join me on the start line.
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There are also two new IMD properties opening their doors this fall. The Hampton Inn & Suites IMD that has been rising in the Gateway Retail Development is finally ready to welcome guests to the IMD, and Foglia Residences from the Chicago Lighthouse will begin welcoming new residents to the IMD. Keep an eye out for more information about both properties as we get closer to their grand openings.
As we enter the holiday season, we recognize that we couldn’t do any of this without the strong backing of the IMD community and our civic leadership, so thank you for being a friend of the IMD. I hope to see old and new faces at Rise to Shine and many more events across the IMD this fall. Follow us on social to stay in the loop with any breaking developments that impact the IMD, and as always, please remember to shop local and support our partners doing great work in and around our community.
I wish you all a safe and happy Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month — please remember to get your flu shot and I hope to enjoy some homegrown IMD honey together soon!
Sincerely,
Allyson Hansen
CEO and Executive Director
New in the IMD
IMD Welcome Plaza now open
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On Thursday, August 15 the IMD Commission — joined by Vice Mayor and 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., Deputy Mayor of Business and Neighborhood Development Kenya K. Merritt, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Tom Carney, and over thirty civic leaders from the City, County, City Colleges, hospital systems, non-profit organizations, community members and more — gathered to officially open the new IMD Welcome Plaza!
Aerial photo showing the new IMD Welcome Plaza.
Located at 1900 W Harrison St, the Welcome Plaza is a new public space for the IMD and west side community. The IMD Welcome Plaza features large illuminated “IMD” letters, seating, and landscaping for the public, and will serve as an instantly recognizable gateway welcoming visitors to the IMD and Chicago for years to come.
The IMD Welcome Plaza with seating and landscaping.
The IMD Welcome Plaza was one of five transformative projects identified when the IMD Commission announced its historic Bike and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (BPSAP) on March 27, 2024.
In addition to the new Welcome Plaza, the span of S Wolcott Ave to the directly adjacent to the east has been pedestrianized with planters to create a safe refuge island for pedestrians and cyclists. Planning is still underway for a ground mural in that space, so stay tuned for more.
Thank you to everyone who made this project a reality, and to the IMD community: we dedicate this to you!
IMD Arts Fest 2024: Dream Big
IMD “Wall of Firsts” murals.
On Tuesday, August 20 the IMD Commission — in partnership with Cook County Health, G Events, S.H.E. Gallery, Vertiport Chicago, The Chicago Lighthouse, and The Stark Solution — was proud to host Arts Fest 2024: Dream Big!
The event took spanned across the new IMD Welcome Plaza, S Wolcott Ave and the green space owned by Cook County across from the Hyatt Place IMD. The event featured an original IMD “Wall of Firsts” Mural by Damon Lamar Reed, a live interactive graffiti demonstration by local artists Take2 and Fesski, and Dreamcatchers by One Lawndale Children’s Discovery Center.
Mariachi Guadalajara perform at IMD Arts Fest.
The “Wall of Firsts” murals feature noteworthy medical trailblazers with a link to the IMD along with inspirational quotes, so be sure to check them out if they pop up at an IMD event near you.
There were also live performances, including a choir by Soul Children Chicago, rap by Jamar Biggz, soul funk by Sapphire Street, DJ by Jesse De La Pena, Mariachi Guadalajara, and flamenco dancing.
Arts Fest attendees enjoying their lunch in the new IMD Welcome Plaza.
Guests were able to enjoy tacos by Masa Brothas, Pizza by Pompei, Poffertjes by Puffy Houzz, fresh local produce grown in the IMD from Urban Autism Solutions Growing Solutions Farm, and fresh flowers from Flowers for Dreams.
Urban Autism Solutions Growing Solutions Farm at IMD Arts Fest.
Thank you to everyone who came out for some fun in the sun in the IMD, and a special thank you to our partners, performers, vendors, and artists. We look forward to celebrating with all of you again!
Be a Champion of Accessibility: Join the Rise to Shine Run & Walk
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Join the IMD Commission and hundreds of other racers and partner organizations for the race that prioritizes accessibility for all — the third annual Chicago Lighthouse Rise to Shine Run & Walk 10K/5K/1M!
When
Sunday, October 20
Pre-race stretch at 7:30 a.m.; Race starts at 8 a.m.
Where
Illinois Medical District
1310 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60608
S Wood St and W Hastings Ave
Registration
Register online now through Saturday, October 19 until 6:00 p.m. Event day registration will be available for a flat rate of $65. Shirts are not guaranteed for day-of registrations.
More than 80,000 people pass through the Illinois Medical District every day, and many of them have disabilities. For them, accessibility to the providers within the IMD is critical, which is why we are proud to have been a founding partner and sponsor of The Chicago Lighthouse’s Rise to Shine Run & Walk. Since 2022, this event has brought the IMD community and the City of Chicago together to support, celebrate and advocate for accessibility for all.
The Rise to Shine Run & Walk is not just a race; it highlights the resilience, creativity and potential of people with disabilities. We encourage you to show your commitment to the disability community by participating in this important event on Sunday, October 20.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, ability or experience! Register as an individual or a team to run the 10K or 5K course or even just walk the 1-mile loop to show that you believe in creating a world where everyone – regardless of ability – can fully participate in their communities.
The IMD Commission is proud to partner with the Chicago Lighthouse on this one-of-a-kind event that affirms our shared commitment to breaking down barriers so people with disabilities can fully participate in education, employment, fitness, and social activities.
Register today at RiseToShineRace.com — see you Sunday, October 20 and thank you for being a Champion of Accessibility!
News from around the IMD
Civilian Response to Active Threat training with the Illinois State Police
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IMDC is hosting two ‘Civilian Response to Active Threat’ trainings, led by the Illinois State Police. It will cover basic safety & crime prevention tips and will assist attendees in making a personal safety plan and knowing how to respond in emergency situations.
When
Tuesday, October 8 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 15 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Where
Illinois Medical District Commission
1900 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612
Registration
The training runs around two hours and you are welcome to attend either date. To register, click here.
For any questions, please contact Corey Stringer, Operations Manager, at cstringer@medicaldistrict.org
UIC Masters of City Design (MCD) Studios win award for IMD project
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This summer, the IMD Commission, UIC Masters of City Design (MCD) cohort, and Masters of Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) students collaborated on a project called, “Think Like A City: A Framework Plan for Remaking Places.”
That project was awarded the 2024 American Planning Association – Illinois (APA-IL) Chapter’s Student Project Award, marking the third consecutive year the Master of City Design program has been the recipient, and fifth for the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.
“Think Like A City” project from the MCD.
Their winning submission engages with contemporary issues of the built environment for the IMD – a unique sector of Chicago’s west side undergoing significant change. Students focused on co-designing an IMD that thrives in medical research, innovation and care, with a community informed, community-centered vision of a resilient and reparative neighborhood that prioritizes the public realm, strengthens livelihoods, and is inclusive to all.
Students host activities on place-affirming programming and healthy lifestyle preferences at one of two pop-up events in the IMD.
The proposal is the result of an intensive six-month process, spanning the Spring Great Cities Studio and the Summer Chicago Charrette Studio, with additional guidance provided by the UIC Institute of Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE), professional practitioners from Design Workshop, community members, and various other design leaders across the globe.
Congratulations to the student for their achievement! To learn more, visit the project website.
Gift of Hope Organ Donor Care Center at Rush launches operations
New Organ Donor Care Center at Rush Hospital.
The Gift of Hope Organ Donor Care Center at Rush has begun operations as Illinois’ first medical and surgical unit specifically dedicated to managing the recovery of lifesaving organs from deceased organ donors. The center is projected to serve up to 250 organ donors and their families each year.
Donor care centers have emerged as a national best practice to better serve donors and their families, increase the availability of transplantable organs and improve transplant outcomes. The location of organ recovery does not change the strict criteria for placing donated organs with potential recipients on the organ transplant list most in need, based on the nation’s allocation system and policies.
With the opening of the Donor Care Center, following family discussion and confirming authorization for donation, Gift of Hope will coordinate the transfer of deceased organ donors 18 years and older at hospitals from Illinois’ northern border south to Kankakee County, and from Lake County, Indiana, to the new 24/7 Donor Care Center. Transferring donors to the center will eliminate delays in securing necessary staffing, testing and resources for donation, and allow hospitals to better utilize their intensive care unit beds, operating rooms, ventilators and critical care staff for other patients while the donation takes place at the Donor Care Center.
Learn more at the Gift of Hope website.
UIC College of Pharmacy gets new name following transformational gift
Grand opening of the new Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky College of Pharmacy.
With the help of a major gift from the estate of a distinguished alum and his wife, the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy will quadruple its merit-based scholarships and double down on its commitment to equity and clinical excellence.
The newly named Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky College of Pharmacy was unveiled Friday, September 13, following a dedication to mark the $36 million endowment gift from the estate of Herbert, ’46, and Carol Retzky, who was awarded an honorary degree in 2019. The donation cements the Retzkys’ legacy of advancing pharmacy education at UIC and drives innovative careers in the field while honoring the couple’s longstanding dedication to pharmacy and transformational support.
The new sign identifying the College of Pharmacy in the IMD.
UIC’s College of Pharmacy is the top-rated college of pharmacy in Illinois and is ranked 15th in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Herbert M. and Carol H. Retzky College of Pharmacy will be the first donor-named college at UIC and only the fourth in the University of Illinois System.
Hampton Inn & Suites IMD opening soon
A room at the new Hampton Inn & Suites IMD awaits its first guests.
After many months, a new hotel — the Hampton Inn & Suites IMD — is nearing completion and expected to open in Fall 2024. Located in the Gateway Retail Development, the Hampton will feature beautiful guest rooms, meeting spaces, and a pool.
The new pool at the Hampton Inn & Suites IMD.
Follow them on Instagram to stay in the loop about an opening date, and for any questions, feel free to reach out to Marlena Karwowski, Director of Sales and Marketing, at marlena.karwowski@hilton.com.
Foglia Residences opening soon
Foglia Residences from the Chicago Lighthouse in the IMD.
Located at Roosevelt Rd and S Wood St, the Foglia Residences from the Chicago Lighthouse will open their doors to the public in October 2024.
The Foglia Residences are a 76-unit apartment building providing affordable and accessible housing for people living with a disability. They were built with accessibility in mind, with important features throughout designed to make it easier to navigate for those with visual impairments.
An example of the high-contrast interior design, important for those with sight issues.
With thoughtful features throughout, including tactile braille aids, bright paint with contrasting colors, and minimizing or reducing glare wherever possible, Foglia is the latest chapter in Chicago Lighthouse’s mission to allow people with disabilities to live equitably and independently in their community so they can thrive on their own terms.
Stay tuned for more as we get closer to the ribbon cutting!
IMD fall honey harvest
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The IMD Commission partnered with Alvéole to launch an urban beekeeping program and it’s almost harvest season!
Our very own honeybee colony will produce hyper-local honey, while the bee home will provide nesting habitat for important solitary wild bees and insects. You can find regular updates from our beekeeper as they observe and report on nesting activity, colony growth, and other bee updates on our MyHive page.
This fall, we will harvest our first batch of IMD honey, so stay tuned to see when you can try a bottle for yourself!
