the hospital originally opened in 1897 as norwegian lutheran deaconess hospital, with 25 beds. the hospital operated in rented building located at artesian avenue and lemoyne street in the humboldt park neighborhood for five years. in 1902, a new building was constructed at haddon avenue and leavitt street. lutheran deaconess hospital grew at this location, with the addition of medical wings, including a 215-bed west wing, and a nursing school. in 1969, with an excess of hospital services within walking distance, lutheran deaconess hospital closed. operations and staff were transitioned to the newly established lutheran general hospital in park ridge.