IW 17 members top off Cleveland Clinic, Cavs facility
Two members of Iron Workers Local 17 help place the final structural beam during the topping off ceremony at the Cavaliers' new training center. Work on the facility is being performed under a Project Labor Agreement.
Members of Iron Workers Local 17 helped the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Clinic and Bedrock Real Estate mark a significant milestone with the ceremonial topping off of the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center.
The facility is the first building to go vertical in Bedrock’s 3.5 million-square-foot master plan, called “The Riverfront,” which encompasses 12 acres, including a riverwalk and green space adjacent to the Cavaliers' new practice facility.
On July 8, team executives, project team members and community stakeholders signed the final 66-foot beam and then watched as it was lifted into place. Sticking with tradition, the beam was adorned with an American flag and an evergreen tree symbolizing strength and longevity.
Representatives from the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Whiting-Turner, Iron Workers
Local 17 and Forest City Erectors were on hand for the event.
“Today marks a historic day for the Cavaliers, for Cleveland and for athletes around the world,” said Dan Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers Chairman and Bedrock Real Estate Founder and Chairman. “This milestone reflects the exceptional work of the dedicated tradespeople and the strength of our partnership with the Cleveland Clinic and the City. This is more than a new building – it is the future of performance, health and innovation on Cleveland’s riverfront.”
Work on the Global Peak Performance Center is being performed under a Project Labor Agreement, and according to Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary/Business Manager Dave Wondolowski, it will create about 400 construction jobs for affiliated members.
To date, nearly 200 tradesmen and tradeswomen have contributed 53,000 hours of labor to move and install 2,400 tons of steel, according to prepared statement from the Cavaliers.
“Our vision for the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center is to create a basketball training facility that resides at the forefront of innovation, technology and architecture,” said Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman.
Situated along the Cuyahoga River, the 210,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2027. Once complete, it will be one of the world’s largest and most advanced sports training and performance centers.
As part of a 25-year partnership extension between the Cavaliers and the Cleveland Clinic, the performance center will use medical innovation for holistic care and injury prevention, nutrition, recovery and performance analysis.
Tom Mihaljevic, MD, CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic and the Morton L. Mandel CEO Chair, called the milestone a symbol of what is possible when Cleveland institutions come together with a shared vision and deep commitment to the community.
He added that the facility is not being built solely for professional athletes.
“This facility will serve not only elite athletes, but also individuals and families across our region – expanding access to cutting-edge care, recovery and training that empowers people at every level to live healthier, more active lives,” Mihaljevic said.