Designed with the unique needs of neurological patients in mind, the $68 million clinical outpatient facility will be home to more than 125 physician specialists, subspecialists and superspecialists who provide unparalleled neurological expertise in Greater Cincinnati and beyond.
The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute outpatient building will transform how neurological care is provided to patients and their families, and is expected to become a national destination for care.
The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute outpatient building will be home to physicians and researchers recognized around the world for their expertise, who provide comprehensive care for the most complex neurological patients across 15 specialties, including treatments for Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, brain tumors, mood disorders, stroke care and rehabilitation, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The facility will convene those specialists into one collective space in order to foster greater collaboration and innovation across specialties and disciplines, allowing them to work side-by-side to improve patient outcomes. As Greater Cincinnati’s academic health system, UC Health provides the highest level of subspecialty care, groundbreaking medical research and world-class medical education.
The 114,000-square-foot facility is the first new building to open on the UC Health Clifton Campus in 30 years. Its distinctive exterior features a structured mesh façade designed to diffuse direct daylight for neurological patients, who often experience light sensitivity. Other patient-friendly features include exam room doors that slide, rather than swing, open, as well as therapy rooms that enable patients to learn how to safely live at home again following a neurological injury or illness. The first patient visits will occur on Monday, April 15.
A patient advisory group provided input into the facility throughout the planning and design process and played a central role in the grand opening event on Thursday, alongside UC Health and University of Cincinnati leaders, physicians, employees, elected officials and members of the community.
“This stunning space is evidence of what can happen when you match great vision with collaboration, dedication and community support,” said UC President Neville G. Pinto, PhD. “As the only Carnegie Research 1 university in the region, UC, working with our partners, has a responsibility to lead the next generation of breakthroughs, including those related to healthcare and access to healthcare.”
Global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will (Chicago) 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.
“You can trace every element in the planning and design to what we’ve heard (from patients, doctors and staff),” said Jerry Johnson, Perkins+Will design principal. “The objective was to provide a place that provides state-of-the-art care and inspires joy for people in need.”
Scott Badzik, an epilepsy patient who served on the advisory committee, said having to plan months in advance for appointments spread across campus and the city is highly taxing. “Now, I walk into the new facility, I see how bright and open it is, how all my medical team is in one place, and a lot of my stress is alleviated.”
Broderick remarked that he was filled with emotions—pride, joy and hope—upon finally seeing many years of planning culminate in this moment.
“It is very appropriate that we are celebrating a new, unique facility that tells stories about neuroscience, Cincinnati and the university while providing the framework for great patient care, groundbreaking research and education,” said Broderick.
“This building will continue to accelerate our work in the neurosciences, and today is one grand example of the partnership of UC Health, the University of Cincinnati and the entire Cincinnati community that will provide hope for patients with neurologic diseases here and across the world.”
The building will also be home to a significant Rookwood Pottery donation from the private collection of James J. Gardner. The collection, 52 pieces of Rookwood Pottery dating from 1893 to 1903, is painted with American Indian portraits and valued at nearly $1 million. Once on exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum, The James J. Gardner American Indian Head Rookwood Vase Collection will become part of the UC Health permanent art collection. It will be on display in the main lobby of the building.
The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute building is made possible by the generosity of the Cincinnati community. In 2015, the UC Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to contribute to the creation of the new facility and to expand programming at the institute. More than $50 million has been raised, including a $14 million gift from the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation. The Farmer Family Foundation also contributed a significant gift.
Four community development entities—Uptown Consortium, Cincinnati Development Fund, Ohio Community Development Finance Fund of Columbus and Capital One Community Renewal Fund of New Orleans—also allocated $41 million in New Markets Tax Credits to leverage philanthropic support and UC Health’s investment in the construction of the new home for the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
A community open house will be held Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering tours, family-oriented activities, local entertainment and health screenings. The UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute outpatient building is located at 3113 Bellevue Ave.