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UC Health Opens $68M UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute Building

In April 2019, UC Health and the University of Cincinnati marked a milestone in the delivery of patient care with the opening of the $68 million UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. The 114,000-square-foot facility is the first new building to open on the Clifton Campus in 30 years.

The clinical outpatient facility is home to world-renowned physicians and researchers recognized for their expertise across 15 specialties, including treatments for Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, brain tumors, mood disorders, stroke care and rehabilitation, and Alzheimer’s disease.

“This new building is a world-class space for world-class programs,” said Richard P. Lofgren, MD, UC Health president and CEO. “It isn’t a stretch to say that what happens here will change the lives of the patients and families we serve.”

As Greater Cincinnati’s academic health system, UC Health provides the highest level of subspecialty care, groundbreaking medical research and world-class medical education.

“This building will continue to accelerate our work in the neurosciences and is a grand example of the partnership of UC Health, the University of Cincinnati and the entire Cincinnati community to provide hope for patients with neurologic diseases here and across the world,” said Joseph Broderick, MD, director of the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and professor of neurology and rehabilitation medicine at the UC College of Medicine.

Global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will designed the building, incorporating the feedback of the patients and caregivers of the advisory group, as well as UC Health physicians and staff. Their input was considered into every aspect, from the lighting and waiting areas, to conference and education spaces, to clinical care rooms and accessible parking. Messer Construction Co., whose portfolio includes numerous healthcare facilities, was the general contractor for the project.

Notable features include: a distinctive exterior with a structured mesh façade to help diffuse direct daylight for neurological patients, who often experience light sensitivity; exam room doors that slide, rather than swing, open; and therapy rooms that enable patients to learn how to safely live at home again following a neurological injury or illness.

The lobby of the building is also home to a significant Rookwood Pottery donation from the private collection of James J. Gardner. The collection, with 52 pieces of Rookwood Pottery dating from 1893 to 1903, is painted with American Indian portraits and valued at nearly $1 million.

The building is made possible by the generosity of the Cincinnati community. A fundraising campaign launched in 2015 raised more than $50 million from donors such as The Farmer Family Foundation and The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation, which gifted $14 million.

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