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Esperanza Health Center Brighton Park Clinic exterior

Chicago, IL

Esperanza Health Centers Brighton Park Clinic

How can access to high-quality healthcare impact a community?

Project Overview

The new Esperanza Health Centers clinic is a 43,500-square-foot, two-story healthcare center serving Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood. Designed to support a wide range of community health needs, the building includes family medicine, pediatric, women's health, behavioral health, geriatric care, therapy services, laboratory space, a senior day care program, meeting areas, and a community café. McNitt Consulting is the owner's representative, and the design team is comprised of Urban Works, dbHMS, TERRA Engineering, TGDA, and CEA&A.

Key Takeaways:

  • Expanded healthcare capacity for the Brighton Park community.
  • Delivered a new 43,500-square-foot clinic and wellness facility adjacent to an operating healthcare center.
  • Maintained project momentum through early procurement of critical materials and equipment.
  • Successfully executed construction within a dense urban environment surrounded by active community assets.
  • Supported workforce participation and diverse trade partner engagement goals.
  • Earned national and regional recognition, including 2024 AGC National Project of the Year and HACIA Project of the Year.
Completion Date

May 2024

Delivery Method

Construction Manager at Risk

Related

Healthcare

Chicago

Bringing Care Closer to Home

Inspired by Esperanza's mission to deliver health and hope for Chicago's underserved communities, the clinic reflects their deep commitment to bringing bilingual, high-quality primary care, behavioral health, and wellness services closer to the people who need them. Through intentional planning, Mortenson helped shape a welcoming, accessible care environment—one that supports patient comfort, dignity, and access to services regardless of immigration status, insurance status, or ability to pay.

Navigating a Complex Urban Site

Located adjacent to an active healthcare facility and surrounded by schools, businesses, and residences, the project required careful planning from the outset to accommodate the tight urban site.

Key priorities included:

  • Maintaining uninterrupted clinic operations
  • Preserving safe access for patients and staff
  • Working within a compact site footprint
  • Minimizing impacts on neighboring properties

Detailed site logistics, phased access planning, and ongoing coordination helped construction move forward safely and efficiently.

Proactive Planning and Execution

Constructed during a period of evolving market conditions, the project team prioritized early identification and procurement of long-lead materials and equipment. This forward-looking approach reduced schedule risk and helped maintain momentum despite ongoing industry supply chain challenges. Careful coordination among stakeholders, trade partners, and suppliers supported an efficient construction process and successful project delivery.

Creating Value Beyond the Building

Throughout design and construction, the project supported local engagement through workforce participation initiatives, partnerships with community organizations, and opportunities for diverse trade partners.

These efforts helped the project's impact extend beyond the facility itself, creating lasting value for both Esperanza Health Centers and the Brighton Park neighborhood.

Awards

Project of the Year, 2024 - Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)

Lerch Bates People's Choice Awards, 2024 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) - National

Silver Award, 2024 - Association of Licensed Architects

Project of the Year Award, 2024 - Associated General Contractors (AGC) - National

Merit Award, 2025 - Chicago Building Congress (CBC)

American Architectural Award, 2024 - Chicago Athenaeum