Cleveland Cavaliers reveal look of new practice facility with Cleveland Clinic

The Cleveland Cavs and Cleveland Clinic revealed renderings of their facility that will reshape the face of the Cuyahoga River neighborhood.

The Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center is set to break ground before the end of 2024, Cavs president Nic Barlage said during the unveiling with the facility expected to open 2 ½ to 3 years from then.

The 210,000 square foot center will serve as a high-tech training facility for the Cavaliers, who deem it key cog in maintain competitive advantage.

Q&A: Kofi Bonner on what drew him to Detroit and Bedrock's plans for its properties

But it will also serve athletes and the public at large with the Clinic, already acknowledged as a global leader in the health care industry for its work in cardiology, expanding its reach into the realm of sports science. They have been the Cavs’ partner since 1993.

It’s clear, however, that those involved view the project, which is designed by architectural firm Populous, view it as something more.

The word “momentum” was bandied about to describe what the project’s potential impact. The leaders of the Cavs and Clinic envision a walkable neighborhood with retail and restaurants that fits in with the goals Bedrock Real Estate, the company owned by team owner Dan Gilbert, has to develop and improve the area as part of its masterplan.

“This is going to be the anchor to the Cuyahoga Riverfront masterplan,” said Bedrock CEO Kofi Bonner, “and it's not only an anchor in terms of obviously its beauty and its excellence, but it's also an anchor in terms of some of the social things we talk about, the public access that is so critical to a great waterfront or a riverfront.”

Bedrock and the Rock Entertainment Group, the umbrella organization for Dan Gilbert’s holdings, have been working hand-in-hand to revitalize Tower City Center, the landmark the center will face, and breathe new life into the area around it.

“What our goal is with this project, and you'll see it as it starts to come to life and as it matures, is for this to be a catalyst for bringing people to the waterfront, but also to then bring them back and share connectivity,” Barlage said.

The Cavs have made Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence their home away from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse since 2007.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Clinic reveal look at wellness center