UChicago Medicine Completed New Cancer Pavilion
The 575,000-square-foot facility will begin providing patient services to South Side residents in April 2027.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cancer
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UChicago Medicine and the AbbVie Foundation have finished construction on a new cancer pavilion designed to expand care access on the South Side. The 575,000-square-foot building is scheduled to open to patients in April 2027.
Why it matters
The facility aims to address historical disparities in cancer care, as two-thirds of South Side patients seeking inpatient services previously had to leave the area for treatment. It was created through a family-centered design process involving local clinicians, caregivers, and patients.
The project represents the culmination of five years of planning and construction. It was supported by a $75 million gift from the AbbVie Foundation, which has partnered with UCMed on medical research since 2016.
The players
UChicago Medicine
This is an academic health system in Chicago that provides medical services and conducts research on the South Side.
AbbVie Foundation
This is a philanthropic organization that supports health equity and community outreach initiatives.
American Cancer Society
This is a nationwide voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, and advocacy.
The details
The facility was shaped by direct community engagement to ensure the organization of services meets local needs. Beyond the pavilion, UCMed and the American Cancer Society plan to develop a separate, supplemental facility near the campus to provide additional patient accommodations.
Timeline
UCMed and the AbbVie Foundation began their medical research partnership in 2016.
The AbbVie Foundation donated $15 million to the University of Chicago Education Lab in 2018.
A $75 million gift for the pavilion was provided by the AbbVie Foundation in October 2024.
The completion of construction was officially celebrated on September 24, 2026.
The pavilion is scheduled to open for patient services in April 2027.
The Big Picture
The construction of this facility follows a pattern of investment established by the long-standing research partnership between the two entities. The project serves as an institutional effort to address regional health disparities through expanded infrastructure.
Local residents will gain access to a dedicated facility, reducing the need to travel outside the South Side for inpatient cancer care. The family-centered design aims to improve the patient experience by consolidating services in one location.
The takeaway
This project highlights a shift toward localized care for medically underserved populations in Chicago. Families should monitor future announcements regarding the transition of care services to the new site before the 2027 opening.
What happens next
The facility is expected to begin accepting patients in April 2027.
Further reading
For more on ongoing oncology initiatives in the region, visit the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Chicago Maroon.
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