Whiting-Turner Builds Cavaliers’ New Home
By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
As the new home and training facility of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center will be one of the world’s largest training facilities when it opens in 2027. The more than 210,000-sq.-ft. structure will provide comprehensive care for accomplished athletes, as well as the public.
“This has been in development for the last few years, and to see it now under construction is an amazing feeling,” said Antony Bonavita, Cleveland Cavaliers chief venues and development officer. “Rock Entertainment Group is beyond excited to bring a training facility of this caliber to the city of Cleveland and its community, to help both the weekend warrior and our Cleveland professional athletes reach their fullest potential.”
The center will offer personalized expertise in training, treatment, nutrition and recovery from professional medical specialists at Cleveland Clinic, which is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top hospitals. The new facility will offer comprehensive care, with patients having access to sophisticated testing and training equipment, along with experts from a variety of specialties that include sports medicine, cardiology, pul-
As the new home and training facility of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center will be one of the world’s largest training facilities when it opens in 2027.
monology, exercise physiology, neurology, nutrition, psychology and genetics.
Construction manager WhitingTurner Co. of Cleveland is building the facility, along with Bedrock’s affiliate, Aquila Developer LLC, which is overseeing the development. Kansas City-based Populous serves as project architect.
“The vision for the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center is to serve as more than just
a practice or training facility,” said Bonavita. “By creating a sustainable hub of resources to serve our players, we have an opportunity to retain and attract the league’s top talent, strengthen the lifespan of their careers and help them reach their highest potential, both on and off the court. This facility will represent a vital investment in our culture and future success in the NBA.
see HOME page 8
The more than 210,000-sq.-ft. structure will provide comprehensive care for accomplished athletes, as well as the public.
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Cleveland Cavaliers/Whiting-Turner photo
Cleveland Cavaliers/Whiting-Turner photo
T.R.A.C Approves $319.3M for ODOT Transportation Projects
The Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) approved investing $319.3 million into 14 major transportation projects in 14 counties.
The project list includes $295.2 million for construction and development funding on eight projects, $9.1 million for new project development funding on three projects, and
$15.0 million for additional project development funding on three projects. The funding is allocated through 2028. Three of the projects that are being funded include construction of a multi-use path for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
TRAC approves funding on projects that are part of ODOT’s Major New Capacity Program.
Applications for TRAC funding can be submitted by ODOT districts, metropolitan planning organizations, county engineers, transit authorities, county commissioners, municipalities, port authorities or transportation improvement districts. To qualify, projects must increase capacity or reduce congestion and have an overall total project cost of more than $12 million. The 14 projects selected this year were among 26 applications submitted.
TRAC operates on an annual application cycle. The next application cycle began on May 1, 2025, and ends on May 31, 2025.
At the completion of the application process, TRAC members vote on the approval of the Major New Construction Program List of funding commitments for preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way and project construction. Projects receiving funding commitments are placed into three “tiers” based upon the level of project development:
• Tier I — The group of projects recommended for construction during the upcoming four-year construction period.
• Tier II — The group of projects recommended for additional environmental, design or right-of-way development activities necessary before the projects would be available for construction.
• Tier III — The group of projects with previous phases funded for construction in Tier I. Projects placed in Tier III status are part of a long-range funding plan to advance multiple phase projects.
Ohio University Breaks Ground On New Patton Center for Art
Ohio University broke ground April 21, 2025, on the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts Violet L. Patton Center for Arts Education. The event took place in McCracken Field, behind Patton Hall, on the university’s Athens campus, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts renewal strategy.
The event kicked off with a welcome followed by various speakers including Interim Dean Jody Lamb, Violet Patton’s lawyer Katharine Davidson and firstyear musical theater student Erica Ahmed.
The Patton Center, named in honor of a $50 million gift from the late Violet Patton, BSED ‘38, LHD ‘11, is central to the university’s $99.2 million plan to enhance arts education and community engagement. The center will feature a 350-seat proscenium theater and rehearsal hall, as well as a lobby dedicated to fostering connections among students, faculty and community members. Additionally, the facility will
include an art gallery and exhibition spaces to showcase student and artist work.
Not only will this new center serve Ohio students, faculty and staff but also the broader Appalachian Ohio community.
The Patton Center is part of a broader initiative to transform the university’s arts facilities into more interdisciplinary, innovative and collaborative places. Major renovations also are planned for Seigfred Hall, which houses the School of Art + Design.
The overall goal is to create an Arts + Education Green that brings together the College of Fine Arts’ six schools and four professional arts programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enriching the educational experience.
Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with students occupying the spaces in fall 2027.
ODOT photo
A new diverging diamond interchange at U.S. 422 and Harper Road in Cuyahoga County is among the projects being funded by TRAC this cycle.
ODOT graphic
Ohio University rendering
Construction on the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts Violet L. Patton Center for Arts Education is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with students occupying the spaces in fall 2027.
CEC Smart Positioning Expands With New Sales Representative
CEC Smart Positioning, based in Sharonville, Ohio, is growing its footprint in the smart construction equipment sector with the addition of TH Hendershot, sales specialist, strengthening its commitment to serving contractors across Cincinnati, Dayton, northern Kentucky and throughout Ohio. The team now brings more than 100 combined years of experience to the region, delivering expert sales, service and training on the latest smart positioning technologies.
CEC Smart Positioning is a specialized division of Columbus Equipment Company, one of Ohio’s leading heavy equipment dealers. The group was formed through the acquisition of JC Equipment Sales and Leasing Inc., a Cincinnati-based company long known as a premier Topcon dealer and for its focus on smart construction tools and top-notch customer service. The merger brought together JC Equipment’s seasoned team with the resources and statewide support of Columbus Equipment, creating a powerhouse in positioning technology and construction equipment services.
CEC Smart Positioning continues its legacy as an authorized Topcon dealer and service center by offering solutions that help contractors improve accuracy, efficiency and productivity on the jobsite, according to the
company. From GNSS and total stations to laser-based positioning systems, CEC Smart Positioning carries and supports advanced technology from industry-leading brands. Its offerings are particularly valuable in site preparation, excavation, utility work and road construction — fields where precision and speed are key to meeting project timelines and budgets.
Hendershot adds to an already knowledgeable and respected team, further enhancing the company’s ability to provide personalized service. Beyond sales, CEC Smart Positioning offers hands-on training and on-site support to ensure customers are getting the most out of their technology investment. Its experts deliver equipment and work closely with operators and supervisors to integrate smart solutions into daily workflows.
As the construction industry continues to embrace digital tools and automation, CEC Smart Positioning helps contractors navigate the transition and maximize their competitive edge. With deep roots in the region, a legacy of trusted service and a focus on future-ready solutions, CEC Smart Positioning is well-positioned to support the next generation of construction success across Ohio and beyond. CEG
Columbus Equipment Company photo
(L-R): Bryce Chekan and Cindy Ellis of Columbus Equipment Company, and TJ Hendershot of CEC Smart Positioning at the Ohio Asphalt Expo, showcase the latest technology and equipment for the asphalt industry.
ODOT Completes Look at State’s Transportation System
Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently released the results of an 18-month study looking at transportation investments to support economic growth and development in the state.
“The goal is to help us understand how Ohio’s highways influence and support statewide economic growth and prioritize transportation projects, as funding is available,” DeWine said. “Ohio’s economy is growing and to keep this momentum going, we must get people to work and deliver goods on time.”
For more than a year, ODOT has worked with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the Ohio Department of Development, JobsOhio and more than 500 elected officials, business leaders and transportation and regional planning experts to identify needs, opportunities and concerns. Staff from ODOT’s 12 districts also shared their local expertise.
Ohio ranks sixth in the nation in terms of freight volume with nearly 1.4 billion tons of freight moving to, from and through the state annually. Ohio-based businesses can access more than 60 percent of the United States’ and Canadian population within a oneday drive. The state’s multimodal transportation system, which includes highways, rail corridors, airports, transit systems and marine ports, lead the nation by many measures. This system supports the industries and the workforce that drive the state’s economy.
Ohio ranks sixth in the nation in terms of freight volume with nearly 1.4 billion tons of freight moving to, from and through the state annually
Toledo to Columbus and Sandusky to Columbus, as specified in Ohio House Bill 23. They specifically examined how these corridors will meet travel needs over the next 10, 20 and 30 years.
communities in Delaware and Franklin counties. Sandusky’s economy relies on tourism and manufacturing while the Delaware County economy is expected to continue to diversify.
Population growth along the corridor has been mixed. The Port of Sandusky and proximity to I-90 provide growth opportunities for logistics-related businesses. Population is forecasted to continue declining in rural areas between Sandusky and Marion. Delaware and northern Columbus suburbs will continue to grow and generate strong travel demand on the corridor. Several corridor segments are experiencing congestion while others are nearing capacity. U.S. 23 and I-71 between U.S. 36 and I-270 have the highest number of future congestion risks.
Approximately 50 percent of the mileage along the corridor has no access control and numerous driveways. These conflict points can lead to crashes and congestion, which degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route. The corridor includes more than 20 percent of the state’s top 100 highway safety improvement locations with priority segments along I-71.
The study recommended evaluating potential improvements to SR 4 and U.S. 250 to address constraints through city and town centers such as Bucyrus and Norwalk. Improvements could include widening narrow shoulders and adding turn lanes in rural areas.
“Overall, most of Ohio’s major highway corridors are handling the needs of today and are expected to do so in the future, even if current population and economic growth trends accelerate,” said Pamela Boratyn, ODOT director. “However, we have identified congestion risks that could hinder future economic development. This tool will assist ODOT and local leaders in ensuring transportation is never a roadblock to economic opportunity.”
In just the past five years, Ohio has seen major investments from companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Meta, Honda, PharmaVite, Anduril Industries, Joby and many others. These companies are choosing Ohio due to workforce, location and quality of life. However, each of these things rely on a strong transportation system.
In 2023, Ohio’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $872.7 billion, the seventh highest in the nation. Six of Ohio’s metropolitan statistical areas ranked in the top 100 in the nation for GDP. Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland are in the top 40.
Study Findings
The report identifies 72 congestion risk locations across the state, referred to as “hotspots.” All were considered in the context of Ohio’s economic goals and ODOT’s broader mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well-maintained and positioned for the future.
Of the 72 congestion risk locations, all but 21 were already on ODOT’s radar. The 51 projects already in the ODOT pipeline represent a total investment of $13 billion. However, $6.1 billion worth of the projects remain unfunded. There is no funding source identified for the other 21 projects the study recommends.
Six Corridor Focus
ODOT analyzed risks associated with congestion in seven geographic/economic regions and studied interregional connections along six focus corridors. These corridors included
Toledo to Columbus
This corridor includes I-75, U.S. 68, State Route 31 and U.S. 23. It connects northwest Ohio, including Toledo, with central Ohio’s fast-growing Delaware and Union counties. It also is a critical link to Detroit and United States-Canada border crossings from central Ohio, including the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is expected to open later this year. The study confirmed the need to make significant improvements to the throughfares that connect Columbus and Toledo.
Population is expected to grow south along I-75 in Toledo’s suburbs and in Bowling Green and Findlay. Continued growth also is expected in Delaware, Marysville and northern Columbus suburbs. There are significant, existing congestion issues in that area, particularly along U.S. 23 in Delaware County, and other areas are nearing capacity. Future congestion risks are expected to expand unless addressed.
The corridor has a mix of full, partial and no access control with approximately 2,000 private driveways and more than 400 at-grade intersections. These conflict points can lead to crashes and congestion, which degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route. This corridor contains 20 percent of the top segments identified in the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) which funds infrastructure improvements to prevent serious injuries and traffic deaths on Ohio roads.
The priority recommendation is to improve U.S. 23 between Waldo and I-270. However, the study does not recommend construction of an alternative freeway due to the cost as well as minimal travel time reductions from such an alternative freeway.
Sandusky to Columbus
This corridor includes SR 4, U.S. 250, I-71 and U.S. 23. It connects Sandusky and resort areas along Lake Erie with
Columbus to Kentucky/West Virginia
This corridor includes U.S. 23 and U.S. 52 and connects central Ohio with southeast Ohio, Portsmouth, the Ohio River, West Virginia and Kentucky. Grove City and the southeastern segments of I-270 have attracted a workforce searching for affordable housing. Bedroom communities are anticipated to continue to develop along U.S. 23 south toward Circleville as well as in Grove City and the southeastern segment of the Columbus I-270 outer belt.
Rickenbacker International Airport has spurred strong logistics-related businesses nearby, resulting in significant growth in employment and truck trips. Ross County and areas further south are expected to decline in population, but there are pockets of development and manufacturing opportunities north of Chillicothe. Portsmouth has experienced population and employment declines, but increases in development are expected.
There are multiple roadway segments nearing capacity. Access control varies significantly along U.S. 23 and U.S. 52. Dense commercial driveway spacing, and numerous residential driveways can lead to crashes and congestion risks, which degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route.
The priority recommendation is to initiate a feasibility analysis and initial project development activities that will position ODOT to increase capacity and manage access on U.S. 23 from I-270 to south of Circleville.
Columbus-West Virginia
The U.S. 33 corridor connects Central Ohio with southeast Ohio, the Ohio River and West Virginia. It also connects Columbus and its southeast suburbs of Groveport and Canal Winchester and travels along the south edge of Pickerington. This segment of U.S. 33 is a four-lane highway with partial access control.
Strong economic growth in Columbus and the southeast suburbs of Franklin County is expected to continue.
ODOT photo
Cavaliers’ New Home Expands Riverfront Development
“The Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center will be the first vertical development of Bedrock’s pioneering $3.5 billion Cuyahoga Riverfront master plan. We are ecstatic and honored to be the first to build on the river and help set the tone for future development.”
Since conception, the project has been driven by the guiding principles of embracing the river, creating an iconic destination and elevating the athlete’s experience.
“Throughout development, these principles have guided the project team, and we’ve continually challenged ourselves to not accept conventional thinking and deliver a project of this caliber that Cleveland deserves,” said Bonavita. “As a result, the building isn’t inwardly focused; it instead engages with the Cuyahoga River, the site, the city and public realm spaces in a way that is truly wonderful and draws inspiration.”
Site preparation began last year, with early work focusing on the first phase of reconstruction of steel bulkheads along the river’s edge. During the planning process, it was determined the defunct Eagle Avenue lift bridge over the river would have to be demolished, as well as the Stones Levee Road truss bridge over the former
CSX railroad right of way.
Because of the intense amount of foundation work involved, those monitoring construction progress will likely have to wait to witness the vertical structure, according to published reports. Still, the excitement continues to build.
“The design will catalyze the Cuyahoga Riverfront development and energize the city of Cleveland,” said Bonavita. “The
building’s design connects the movement of the river with the motion of the athlete, blending seamlessly with the industrial character of its environment.”
“The conception of the elite training program encompasses the combination of heart, mind and motion to create a truly holistic focus and experience,” said Griffiths. “Alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers, the center will not only cater to professional
athletes from around the world, but athletes of all levels and sports, including the health and wellness of all Clevelanders.”
Griffiths noted the sweeping curtain wall, integrated with a patterned frit, will hover over the public riverwalk, maximizing daylighting into the building and creating a porous connection to the public realm.
“The ground level includes a rippling form-lined concrete
façade that relates to the humanscale of pedestrians alongside the riverwalk. Bronze-toned aluminum blades run vertically up the facade, shading the expansive glass, while expressing a sense of undulating movement across the surface and its rounded corners. Exterior lighting is utilized extensively to create a dynamic evening experience, adding a secondary layer of color and activation.”
Braselton said, “The architecture of the building is contemporary and dynamic, while also rooted in a sense of place and representative of its context and site constraints.
“Populous, alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Clinic and Bedrock, is proud to play a committed role in shaping the future of Cleveland and revitalizing the public connection to the riverfront. It’s always a privilege to be a part of such a substantial and impactful project, especially one with such a connection to the public and the wider city.”
Bonavita added, “As the latest evolution in the partnership between the Cavaliers and the Cleveland Clinic, the project will create a lasting community asset that invites elite and everyday athletes from around the world to Cleveland. It also aims to position the city as a global sports science and wellness destination.” CEG
Site preparation began last year.
Cleveland Cavaliers/Whiting-Turner photo
Cleveland Cavaliers/Whiting-Turner photo Construction manager Whiting-Turner Co. of Cleveland is building the facility, along with Bedrock’s affiliate, Aquila Developer LLC, which is overseeing the development. Kansas City-based Populous serves as project architect.
Cleveland Cavaliers/Whiting-Turner photo
Since conception, the project has been driven by the guiding principles of embracing the river, creating an iconic destination and elevating the athlete’s experience.
ODOT Seeks Funding for Ongoing Construction Projects
Groveport, Canal Winchester and Pickerington have experienced strong population and employment growth over the last 20 years. Rickenbacker International Airport, which can be accessed from U.S. 33, is a major employer and truck trip generator.
Athens has experienced modest population growth over the past 20 to 30 years. U.S. 33 is a key gateway for tourism destinations, while population and employment in Ohio River communities have declined over the last several decades.
Congestion is concentrated at the northern end of the corridor on U.S. 33 from the I-270 interchange to SR 317. U.S. 33 is nearing capacity almost entirely from SR 317 through Groveport and Canal Winchester to the U.S. 33 Business Route branch in Fairfield County. Access varies between partial and full control, which can lead to crashes and congestion and degrade the safety and reliability of the travel route. The corridor has 29 safety improvement locations.
It also recommended seeking construction funding for existing ODOT projects on U.S. 33 in Franklin and Fairfield counties.
Cincinnati to Dayton
The I-75 corridor connects Dayton and Cincinnati. The north end of the corridor is near Dayton International Airport and Union Global Logistics Airpark at Dayton Airport, with many logistics-related businesses located nearby. To the east of the corridor, with access from I-675, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a major military installation focusing on logistics. The corridor includes large, fast-growing suburbs as well as large manufacturing employers.
Major employers and logistics-related businesses are located in downtown Cincinnati and at the Port of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, which recently expanded and is now the largest inland port in the country.
I-75 currently is experiencing congestion on several segments. In the future, the highest congestion risks are on I-75 near the I-275 interchange north of Cincinnati and from SR 73 north through downtown Dayton.
Interchanges are adequately spaced and have signalized intersections, except the northbound entrance ramp from Stewart Street. The segments with the most safety concerns are primarily near system interchanges and in downtown Dayton.
The corridor has 12 priority segments and nine priority intersections in the highway safety program’s top 100 locations.
The study recommended continuing to develop projects associated with the I-75/I-275 interchange and work with regional planning organizations to improve Cincinnati to Dayton corridor connections.
Canton/Youngstown to West Virginia/Pennsylvania
This corridor includes U.S. 30 and SR 11 and connects northeast Ohio with West Virginia and the Pittsburgh metropolitan area in Pennsylvania.
Canton and Youngstown have experienced population and employment declines in their urban cores. However, Canton has recorded population growth in some northern areas, while Youngstown has observed growth in its south-
western suburbs.
Employment trends have fluctuated, with significant job losses in higher-paying manufacturing industries. In East Canton, U.S. 30 features rural areas with existing warehousing and logistics businesses. Austintown Township has shown population and employment growth trends. U.S. 224 provides connectivity to SR 11 and I-680, facilitating regional movement. I-680 and I-76 enhance network connectivity and access to logistics and warehousing industries.
The corridor includes a mix of roadway types. The western portion lacks access control, consisting primarily of a two-lane roadway with sections that expand to three lanes
near villages or for truck climbing lanes. The eastern portion is a four-lane, fully access-controlled interstate highway with 10 interchanges.
No corridor segments are experiencing congestion currently, and traffic volumes are generally well below roadway capacity. Safety concerns have been identified along U.S. 30 between East Canton and Minerva and on SR 11 from the I-80 interchange to the U.S. 224 interchange, which records the highest crash frequency on the corridor.
The study recommended addressing local safety concerns and updating interchanges on U.S. 30 in Stark and Columbiana counties.
Next Phase of Chesapeake Bypass Project Under Way
A groundbreaking ceremony, including several state and local leaders, was held April 22, 2025, for phase 2 of the State Route 7 Chesapeake Bypass project. The Chesapeake Bypass project has been ongoing for more than 20 twenty years.
The $128.5 million phase 2 involves construction of the western half of the Chesapeake Bypass between the SR 527/SR 7 interchange in Chesapeake east to SR 775 in Proctorville, Ohio.
Phase 2 is approximately 6 mi. and includes the construction of a two-lane highway, with some four-lane sections and truck climbing lanes. There also will be a full interchange at SR 775.
A 14-ft.-tall concrete noise wall will be placed along the southern edge of the roadway to reduce traffic noise to nearby homes in three areas, including those in the Brentwood neighborhood.
“This project has been a top priority for the region for many years. Not only will it improve safety and mobility for residents and freight traffic, it also will support economic development and quality of life across Lawrence County,” said Michael Dombrowski, ODOT District 9 deputy director.
Due to limited funding, construction of
the project is being completed in phases. Phase 1 included the construction of a new 4.7-mi., two-lane limited access highway from SR 775 in Proctorville to existing SR 7 in Rome Township. It also included a connection between the 31st Street Bridge (East Huntington Bridge) and existing SR 775 in Proctorville. It was opened to traffic in 2006.
Improving Safety
The existing section of SR 7 between SR
527 and SR 775 has numerous private driveway and public road intersections. This section of SR 7 is congested and has high cash rates with between 9,000 and 11,000 vehicles using the roadway every day.
Since 2020, there have been 230 crashes in this corridor, including three fatalities and four serious injuries.
Nearly half of all crashes on this section of SR 7 were rear-end crashes, indicative of high congestion. A distant second, 10.4 per-
cent of all crashes, involved vehicles turning left.
Completion of Phase 2 of the project will allow traffic to bypass this high-congestion area.
The bypass also will include three emergency access points in the Brentwood Subdivision, Henson Hollow and Dogwood Lane for times when the Ohio River floods local roads. The bypass is well above the 50year flood level meaning travel should not be impacted by flooding on the Ohio River.
WhatÊs Next
Work to clear vegetation from the rightof-way began last winter.
Utility relocation will continue until midto late-July. Crews are working around County Road 69 (Indian Guyan Road) and will head east toward SR 775. All work on the project is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2028.
The detailed project schedule is still being created.
Future Planning
Two additional future phases of the project would upgrade the freeway to four lanes if traffic levels warrant it. Funding for phases 3 and 4 has not been committed.
