NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

May 14, 2003

Chicago Sun Times

Planned medical offices would be connected to Weiss Hospital

Roeder, David

A developer is seeking city approval to build a medical office building near the lakefront in Uptown.

Wellness Associates LLC has proposed a four-story building that would be constructed immediately north of WeissMemorial Hospital. The new building, at about 4700 N. Marine Drive, will be connected to Weiss, said Howard Koop, a representative of the developers.

Koop said Weiss will occupy some space on the lower floors. He said he anticipates renting the rest of the space to doctors who practice at the hospital.

The location requires Wellness to seek zoning approval under the Lakefront Protection Ordinance. Koop said he expects no objections and has lined up support from Uptown's alderman, Helen Shiller (46th).

The project's cost should come to $21 million, Koop said. He said a small building on the property that includes a Walgreens will be demolished and the drug chain plans to reopen at the site. Koop said that assuming city approval is granted, he hopes to start construction in January and have the 112,000-square-foot building ready in early 2005.

Koop declined to disclose the investors who make up Wellness, adding that he expects to become a partner later. The company has no connection to Wellness Associates of Chicago, a medical practice near Weiss.

Copyright Chicago Sun Times May 14, 2003