Cleveland Clinic acquires land on main campus’ western edge

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Clinic added more than 11 acres to its sprawling downtown campus by acquiring an historic theater complex on its western fringe.

The Clinic purchased The Cleveland Play House for $13 million, according to The Plain Dealer, citing property records. The Clinic’s pursuit of the Play House has played out for months. It was an ideal opportunity for both sides; the Clinic adds more land and the Play House pockets cash and moves from its home away from the city’s downtown to a spot in the heart of Playhouse Square, the city’s theater district.

The land is located next to the Clinic’s employee parking and service center and it extends the hospital’s main campus more than 20 blocks and almost a mile, from the 8500 blocks of Euclid and Carnegie avenues up through E. 105th Street and beyond.

Clinic spokeswoman Eileen Sheil said the health system has no plans for the building.

“We’re studying it to see what’s in the best interest of the Cleveland Clinic, keeping in mind the interest of the community,” she stated and added: “We explore opportunities as they arise. Not sure timing had anything to do with it.”