Construction in Champaign for Carle Foundation Hospital buildings is joined by the addition of other businesses and restaurants nearby, contributing to the economic growth of the new area known as The Fields.
Located off Interstate 57, near Curtis Road, the Carle medical buildings and other businesses at The Fields can be seen from the highway.
The Carle Administrative Center at The Fields opened in early 2018, housing the human resources and medical records departments. There are about 1,300 employees who work in the administration building and they now have access to restaurants and shops nearby.
Medical departments began moving to The Fields in April 2019. The Carle Foundation announced their expansion projects in January 2020, prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to The Fields complex, the plans were for the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
“We’re trying to accommodate the growth we’ve seen in the past year at Carle,” said Lynne Barnes, Sr. Vice President of Facilities for Carle Foundation Hospital, at the announcement.
Barnes has since also taken over as the Carle Foundation Hospital President.
Being the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the area, the Carle Foundation Hospital saw a need to increase their services and equipment to stay up to date with the latest technology. The expansion includes the concourse and kitchen renovations, as well as a larger operating suite and care unit.
Carle’s Urbana hospital approached full capacity in August, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases with the Delta variant spike. With the expansion, there are now more beds available for more patients to be treated.
Carle Outpatient Services at The Fields includes Audiology/Ear, Nose and Throat, General Surgery/Bariatric Surgery, Hearing Services, Ophthalmology, Optical, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The growth has made the area surrounding Carle at The Fields a popular spot for new businesses.
Office/retail at Carle at the Fields on Sunday, December 19, 2021. photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access 
Jimmy Johns at Carle at the Fields on Sunday, December 19, 2021. photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access 
Rugged Outdoors at Carle at the Fields on Sunday, December 19, 2021. photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access
Overtime Nutrition is one of the newest businesses to open an “at The Fields” location. It had a grand opening on August 31. It is “serving our Champaign community health shakes, energy drinks and coffee,” according to the company’s website.
The Poke Shack opened in February, expanding from its Mahomet location. Its menu has poke bowls, sushi bowls, Hawaiian plate lunches and more. Other neighboring food options include El Toro Mexican restaurant, Betsy’s Bistro and Jimmy John’s.
Restaurants are not the only businesses at The Fields. Haven Salon and Boutique and a Hampton Inn are also nearby.
The medical buildings, like Carle Outpatient Services, have helped contribute to the increased popularity of the area. The Champaign Surgery Center and Christie Clinic also have locations at The Fields.