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Medical Mart project gets first glimpse of steel

In the News :: August 26, 2011

FROM THE PLAIN DEALER: Construction crews began installing nine new, taller columns beneath Lakeside Avenue this week.

Old columns were removed months ago, so workers could dig a lower floor, said Jeff Appelbaum, the county's pointman for the project.

The county is partnering with Chicago-based MMPI on the $465 million, taxpayer-financed project, which includes a convention center beneath the downtown Mall and a connected, four-story medical mart on the northeast corner of St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street.

The complex is scheduled to open in 2013.

Unlike the old underground convention center, the complex will include a truck loading dock. Hence, the need to dig deeper beneath Lakeside.

While crews worked, I-beams from the old ballroom were jacked up to support the downtown street as it passes over the construction pit.

Now, crews are installing column jackets and connector plates -- the first steel in the construction process.