The community development commission recommended a land write-down of five parcels at 115-21 W. 1111th St. and 68 W. 111th St., a deal worth $67,234. The city acquired the parcels long ago via demolition liens.

The 162-bed, private hospital already sees 26,000 patients visit its emergency room every year, and the expansion will allow it to handle more than 30,000 patients a year when the single-story addition is completed in 2004, says Rita Jones of the department of planning and development.

"There has not been any major redevelopment or construction at Roseland Hospital since the 1970s," says VP of finance Nelson Vasquez. "You really wonder sometimes how we're able to treat people in that environment."

Part of the project will involve relocating a Women In Crisis program to 11238 S. Michigan Ave. during construction, as the agency's quarters will make way for the new emergency room.

"The hospital is the largest employer in the community and serves as an anchor," Jones says.

Roseland Community Hospital's influence goes beyond political boundaries, says 34th Ward Alderman Carrie M. Austin. "This is not just a hospital for the 34th Ward, it's for the entire South Side of Chicago," she says, noting there is not another facility within a 10-mile radius of Roseland Community Hospital.

Instant Insights /

Roseland Hospital Gets Land for $5M ER Expansion

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