On Feb. 10, 1998, the Cook County Board of Commissioners took the final steps in the approval process, voting 9-5 vote–with one vote of present to approve the $301 million bid to build the 464-bed replacement hospital.

The bid was submitted by a joint venture formed by Walsh Construction Co. and Riteway Construction Services. The county planned to break ground in the spring, with completion of the $551 million facility–including equipment–set for early 2002.