Two new patient pavilions have opened at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois. The project adds roughly 290,000 square feet of new space. The expansion introduces 96 medical‑surgical beds and 18 observation beds, nearly doubling the hospital’s previous capacity and supporting a more comfortable healing environment with all private rooms. The project included a new emergency department, designed to accommodate increasing patient volumes and enhance the delivery of acute care. To improve access and convenience, a new parking structure was completed in 2024, adding 894 new spaces.
In addition, the hospital recently secured state approval for a cardiac surgery program, enabling patients to receive advanced cardiovascular procedures locally rather than having to travel. Procedures are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
The campus enhancements also extend beyond clinical spaces. The design of the new pavilions integrates seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, featuring native plantings, expanded green spaces and walking paths that contribute to a welcoming, therapeutic environment. The project team included SmithGroup, Stantec and Power Construction.
