HEALTHCARE | Lurie's Children's Hospital to Build New Children's Hospital in Downer Grove

Expanding Access to Pediatric Care for Western Suburbs Families, Lurie's Children's Hospital to Expand to Downers Grove

CHICAGO–Ann & Robert H. Lurie’s Children’s Hospital has officially started planning to build a new children’s hospital in Downers Grove, marking a major expansion in healthcare accessibility for families in Chicago’s western suburbs. This initiative reflects Lurie Children’s expansion goals and responds to a growing need for healthcare for families in the western suburbs, especially in pediatric services currently out of reach for many local residents.

According to the hospital’s announcement, the proposed facility will be a community-based, low-acuity pediatric hospital that includes a pediatric emergency department, surgery suites, inpatient beds, and key pediatric specialties such as oncology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics. This would be Lurie Children’s first inpatient hospital outside its main Streeterville campus, offering world-class pediatric care Illinois families can count on without long travel times.

What This Means for Chicago’s Western Suburbs

Currently, nearly half of children in the western suburbs must leave their communities for inpatient pediatric care, placing added stress on families during critical health moments. The planned children’s hospital Downers Grove aims to fill that gap, making services closer to home and fostering stronger community health outcomes.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Lurie Children’s to bring internationally recognized pediatric care closer to home for families in the western suburbs,” said Tom Shanley, MD, President & CEO of Lurie Children’s, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to community-centered healthcare.

National Recognition and Local Impact

Lurie Children’s reputation for excellence isn’t new — it is ranked as the #1 pediatric hospital in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report and continues to deliver leading care across a broad range of specialties.  This strong track record reassures families that the Lurie Children’s expansion into Downers Grove is grounded in proven capability and trusted outcomes.

For more details on Lurie Children’s mission and services, visit the official site: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/news-stories/lurie-childrens-begins-planning-for-community-based-pediatric-hospital-in-downers-grove-area 

What’s Next for the Community

Planning is in the early stages and subject to regulatory approvals, but this project represents a significant investment in pediatric health infrastructure — bringing advanced care closer to families in Lisle, Naperville, Wheaton, Elmhurst, and beyond.

Stay tuned for updates on community engagement sessions, construction milestones, and how local families can share feedback as the plans progress. Families and residents in the western suburbs are encouraged to follow Glancer Chicago West for ongoing coverage and local insights.