The curtain wall exterior of the 27-storey Ability Institute of RIC in Chicago is nearly complete, with some cosmetic work continuing. Located at 630 North McClurg Court, the 1.2 million-square-foot facility is the new home for the Rehabilitation Institute Of Chicago, housing 900,000 square feet of space dedicated to clinical/research programs. Five AbilityLabs™, 242 beds, imaging and infusion suites, and a Rehabilitation Intensive Care Unit will provide hospital services for patients. 

Ability Institute of RIC, image via HDR

At 480 feet tall, this is one of the tallest hospitals in the world. Its height offers some distinct advantages over other, traditionally low-rise medical facilities. A 10th floor sky lobby occupies two storeys and serves as the main public space, offering an outdoor garden, gathering areas, and a chapel. 

Ability Institute of RIC, image by SkyriseCities Forum contributor harryc

An 8-storey concrete parking garage acted as the base for the structural steel tower above. The HDR and Gensler-designed building is now sealed in reflective curtainwall glass. Forum contributor harryc was on site recently and posted photos showing the building in context with its surroundings. 

Ability Institute of RIC, image by SkyriseCities Forum contributor harryc

Replacing a vacant plot of land, the state-of-the-art medical facility is expected to be fully complete in 2016. Additional images and information can be found in our Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.