Following years of skepticism and construction, the Center opened to a warm reception.
Attendees included Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, and a who’s-who of healthcare CEOs.
City officials had long-championed the concept of a major venue where the latest medical technology and services could be showcased. The Center is part of a $465 million, taxpayer-funded complex that also includes a convention center.
Backers hope these new developments will help revitalize the local economy….backers like Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove.
“They will be a worldwide calling card for Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, and all of our attractions," Cosgrove told the audience. "The reality has surpassed our expectations.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald also attended the ceremony. He was initially critical of the project, but now sees it as an important piece of the region’s revitalization.
"We're transforming Cleveland and Northeast Ohio in a way that really was only talked about or dreamed about for decades. And today's ribbon cutting was a concrete and historical step forward.”
FitzGerald also confirmed that SMG, the nation's largest operator of convention centers, will manage the complex. They replace MMPI, which recently stepped down.
Ongoing developments include a 600-to-700 room hotel, and improvements for the adjacent mall and lakefront.