As Children’s Memorial Hospital moves forward with its planned relocation to downtown Chicago in spring 2012, it has reached agreement with DePaul University for the purchase of Children’s Memorial’s three-story Belden Building at 759 W. Belden Ave., on the southeast corner of Belden and Halsted, near DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus.

It is anticipated that Children’s Memorial will vacate the property in the latter half of 2012 and DePaul will begin occupying the space shortly thereafter. DePaul is currently considering options for the building’s use, but plans are expected to include space for academic use. The exterior of the building will remain essentially the same as it is today. DePaul and Children’s Memorial will work closely with 43rd ward Alderman Michele Smith to secure new zoning for the property.  The process will include public meetings where community residents can learn about plans for the building and provide input.

The property currently houses administrative offices for Children’s Memorial. Children’s will move the majority of its employees to leased space in Streeterville. This will enable employees  to be closer to the new hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, which opens June 9, 2012, at 225 E. Chicago Ave.

Children’s Memorial and DePaul have a history of collaborative efforts in support of the Lincoln Park community.  Projects have addressed issues such as environmental preservation in Lincoln Park and generating support for student study halls at Lincoln Park High Schools and the Lincoln Park Connect.com project, which facilitates the exchange of neighborhood information.