Cook County Reaches Agreement to Lease 35th Floor of Dunne Building

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced agreements with two state agencies to lease the 35th floor of the George W. Dunne Building.  The deals are expected to bring in more than $2 million over the five-year term of each lease.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB) will move into the more than 20,000 square foot space on the top floor of the Dunne Building on May 1, 2014.

“Reducing the unused and underused space we occupy will save taxpayer dollars and help make County government more efficient,” President Preckwinkle said.  “Consolidating our real estate footprint allows the County to streamline operations and identify new ways to lower expenses.”

The state agencies will move roughly 50 employees into the Dunne building. The office space, located at 69 West Washington, is in the central Loop with access to mass transit and walking distance to many Chicago-based governmental agencies.

The County will invest roughly $600,000 in construction and other upfront leasing costs to prepare the space, while the new tenants will pay the floor’s more than $195,000 annual operating costs.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is responsible for protecting the state's 12.4 million residents through the prevention and control of disease and injury. Among the services IDPH provides are vaccinations to protect children against disease; testing to assure the safety of food, and licensing to ensure quality health care in hospitals and nursing homes.

The Health Facilities and Services Review Board (HFSRB) is an independent, nine member commission appointed by the Governor.  Its goal is to promote the development of a comprehensive health care delivery system that assures the availability of quality facilities, related services, and equipment to the public.

It’s important we continue to explore opportunities to better maintain our real estate during challenging financial times,” President Preckwinkle said. “Working with the State of Illinois to improve the services we provide residents is another way governments can work together towards the common good.