Project category: New construction & Remodel/Renovation (completed December 2004)

Chief administrator: James Killian, Vice-President, (847) 535-6102

Firm: Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP, (414) 359-3060

Design team: Michael Scherbel, AIA, Partner; Daniel Becker, AIA, NCARB, Project Manager; Mary Spriggs, AIA, CSI, CDT, Project Architect; Brian Nelson, Project Designer

Photography: ©2004 John J. Korom Photography

Total building area (sq. ft.): 71,796 (new); 20,000 (renovation)

Construction cost/sq. ft.: $253 (new); $78 (renovation)

Total construction cost (excluding land): $18,164,388 (new); $1,560,000 (renovation)


The Hunter Family Center for Women’s Health is an addition to the existing Lake Forest Hospital facility, which relocated the majority of women’s health services to a single wing. Lake Forest Hospital provides a comprehensive range of treatment, diagnostic, consultative, and educational services to the residents of Lake County, Illinois, and is recognized as a regional provider of maternal and children’s health services. The placement of the Women’s Center within a single wing creates a synergistic effect and allows for a more integrated program, contributing to a more positive healthcare experience for women.

Among the challenges of the design was how to adjoin the original hospital building, which required matching an incredibly tight existing floor-to-floor height of 10′ 9″. This required tremendous coordination efforts by the many consultants and architects to fit the necessary systems within the ceiling space.

An architecturally sensitive solution was also required in keeping with the classic redbrick Georgian Revival style of the 1940s structure. The original hospital building is rich in architectural detail and masonry work reminiscent of stately area residences. Many of these architectural elements were repeated, including new brickwork that was carefully matched to the original color and texture, and a colored mortar that seamlessly blends with the existing timeworn and weathered original.

The classically dressed interior conceals many state-of-the-art amenities within a light and comfortable, homelike setting, emphasizing patient care with a casual elegance anticipated by the area’s clientele.