Keep An Eye On Our Progress

Two webcams -- one solar-powered -- are active and watching on the construction site of Sherman's replacement hospital. Take a look.

We’re busy at work completing Sherman’s replacement hospital on the east side of Elgin, located at the corner of Randall and Big Timber Roads. Anticipated to open in early 2010, there are currently over 500 tradespeople working on the construction site. 75% of the roof and 90% of the landscaping is complete.

The framing of the Tree of Life, an architectural element with an elm tree structure that will spread from the new atrium through the upper levels, has begun. The Tree of Life is a dramatic representation illustrating the integration of the new facility with its prairie setting by bringing the elements of nature inside.

The new hospital will also have 255, 100% private patient rooms—half with direct views of the geothermal lake and beautiful landscaping, and half with open views to a courtyard. All of Sherman’s private rooms will come with sleeper couches, a family gathering lounge and private bathrooms.

Interested in keeping an eye on the progress of our new hospital? Visit TheFutureOfSherman.com and click on the picture of the crane to view either of our onsite webcams – one from the southwest and the other, solar powered, from the northeast. Enjoy!

Sherman Health’s Geothermal Lake

Click on image to view more pictures of the new Sherman Hospital's geothermal lake.

The new Sherman Hospital is well underway in creating a spectacular healing environment for future patients, guests and staff. Sherman has installed one of the largest energy producing geothermal lakes in the world. The 15-acre lake will heat and cool the new hospital without emitting harmful pollutants and will save Sherman about $1million a year.

The lake works by using solar energy absorbed by the earth and trapping heat just below the frost line. An underwater heating pump then transforms the heat into a form of energy, geothermal energy, providing the hospital with a dependable, eco-friendly heating and cooling system.

This system will cost 13 percent more to install than traditional energy sources, but the investment will more than pay for itself in just a few short years.The lake will make Sherman one of the most energy-efficient health care facilities in the country.

This money saving technique is becoming a popular topic all over the world. An article titled Are Geothermal Heat Pumps For You? goes into great detail on what geothermal heating and cooling is (albeit from a consumer’s standpoint) and is a good resource for those looking for a simple explanation of the technology. Sherman’s geothermal lake takes this to a much larger, more commercial scale, however. An interesting read.

Please visit a recent news article on our main web site to see and learn more about Sherman’s geothermal lake.

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Welcome to The Future Of Sherman Blog!

If you haven’t already heard or have seen the mega construction site on the corner of Randall Road and Big Timber in Elgin, IL, Sherman Health is building a new hospital. The new hospital will allow Sherman to grow with the expanding community and provide quality care and commitment for years to come. The hospital is set to open its doors in late 2009.

This blog will serve as an interesting place for news, updates, features and other highlights about the Future of Sherman.

Stop by every so often and feel free to share your thoughts and comments.