In 2004, Rush revealed its plans for the most comprehensive construction and facilities renovation program in its history. Dubbed "The Rush Transformation," the program encompasses Rush's plans to invest in new technology, build new facilities and improve patient care processes, while at the same time reorienting the entire physical campus around patients and their families.

Construction of a major hospital addition, including a new center for advanced emergency response, is expected to begin this year pending project approval by the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board. The projected completion date is 2012. This facility will include a state-of-the art emergency services facility, the McCormick Tribune Center for Advanced Emergency Response, which will house special equipment and is designed to care for victims of major catastrophes. Renovations on the existing Atrium and Kellogg buildings will follow.

Perkins+Will, architects for the Rush project, has extensive experience in the health care industry and with other large academic medical centers including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and the Johns Hopkins Hospital, which also have facilities replacement projects.

In the design plans for Rush, special attention is being paid to environmental efficiency and responsiveness. Rush is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.