We’ve driven past the monolithic building on Brush Hill Road for many months. We've heard the hype, watched the construction, and on Sunday, the community got a first glimpse inside the new Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.

A comment repeated by visitors walking through the hallways was, “It almost makes me want to get sick so I can stay here.”

Of course no one looks forward to a hospital stay, but this new facility is sure to make that stay more bearable for patients and their families. The hospital incorporates the Planetree model of health care: a mind-body-spirit approach to healing.

Evidence of this is seen throughout the 866,000-square-foot facility. Artwork, waterfalls, and courtyard waiting areas with statues and gardens provide a peaceful setting for families dealing with the stresses associated with medical procedures and recovery. There’s even a “Main Street,” complete with Walgreen's, Starbuck’s, a spacious café offering up healthy selections, and a full-service flower shop, library and gift shop.

More patient and family amenities can be found here.

Hospital staff pulled off no small feat in putting together the Community Festival and grand opening Sunday. More than 10,000 people took tours and shopped at the French Market. Live entertainment that included the Elmhurst College Jazz Band, Choral-Aires and other musicians was offered in the south parking lot.

Trolleys ran in a continuous loop around the property to get people from their cars to the events, and dozens of hospital staff members and volunteers guided visitors along the tour stops, which included the emergency department, critical care department, patient suites and the family birthing center.