What Is the Building Downtown That Looks Like I'm on Acid?

There's a building downtown across from the Outlet Mall that looks like I'm on acid. I'm not kidding. I can't believe it's not a hallucination. Do you know the building I'm referring to and if so, is it real and if so, what on Earth is it?

The building you're referring to is the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, located at 888 West Bonneville Avenue. Yes, it is surreal; looking at it directly can give you flashbacks. And it was designed by world-renowned architect and artist Frank Gehry.

The Center, which opened on July 13, 2009, is planned to become a national resource for the most current research and scientific information for the treatment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's Diseases, and ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), as well as focusing on prevention, early detection, and education.

The building is owned by Keep Memory Alive, a non-profit organization started by local businessman Larry Ruvo and casino executive and poker player Bobby Baldwin, both of whom lost their fathers to Alzheimer's disease. The foundation's mission is to elevate consciousness of Alzheimer's and dementia, give patients the most sensitive environment possible for treatment, and help find a cure for these distressing and currently incurable conditions.

Larry Ruvo recalls one of the worst days of his life as being when he took his father, Lou, who was in the early stages of Alzheimer's, to a hospital where he was surrounded in the waiting room by patients in advanced stages of dementia -- one was in a diaper and another unable to hold his head up. So one of the criteria for Gehry's design was to avoid mingling patients at various stages of the disease. There are no waiting rooms at the Ruvo Clinic; instead, a valet greets patients and calls ahead so they can be immediately ushered to their rooms. The hallways use natural light and soft colors to create a calming environment, rather than the sterile feeling of a typical clinic, and are adorned with artwork.

The dramatic exterior of the building seems to reference the disintegration of memory caused by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The principal element of the design uses 550 interlocking stainless steel pieces, no two alike, set at all sorts of crazy angles, which gives the impression that the roof and facade have somehow melted.

While some have criticized the design as being insensitive to the building's purpose, Gehry himself was pleased with the outcome, saying he wanted it to stand out from "the cacophony" of high-rise casinos and condos. "It took my breath away," he said. "I like the way it fits. I wasn't trying to compete with the chaos around it. Some people may think it's over the top. I don't think so."

Click on the thumbnails to see enlarged versions.

No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.

Have a question that hasn't been answered? Email us with your suggestion.

Missed a Question of the Day?

Have a Question?

Tomorrow's Question

Has Clark County ever considered legalizing prostitution?

Comments

O2bnVegas Apr-02-2024

Got that right

"...the disintegration of memory caused by..."

If you ever live with or care for a loved one with Alzheimer's or any form of dementia/memory loss then you understand.  Kudos to Ruvo, Baldwin and Gehry.  

Thanks to the person who sent in the question and to LVA/QoD folks who put this response (with the photos) together.  Some readers will be enlightened today.

Candy

Scotski Apr-02-2024

Gehry Also Did Disney Buildings

Frank Gehry also designed the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. and the Administration building at Disneyland.

They have the same sort of look.

Llew Apr-02-2024

🩷🩷🩷🩷

I absolutely LOVE that building!  Drive by it every time I’m in town. Totally awesome!!

DBCtexas2023 Apr-02-2024

Special building with purpose and goodness

I have been reading every QOD for about 4 years.  This one stands out and clearly makes the top of the list.  Good one!

Jeffrey Small Apr-02-2024

Donations

No question that Alzheimers is a serious disease and we all should all do our part in supporting research to find a cure.  However, I would like to remind people that some are becoming rich in that search.  I am bombarded with requests for funds from various charities.  According to the website Charity Navigator the president of the Alzheimers Association (Chicago, Il.) earns $1,200.000.00+ a year. and other top executives of the charity are also very well compensated.  Check independent sources before you donate to make sure your hard earned dollars are being put toward finding cures not lining the pockets of charity executives!

Howard M Percival Apr-02-2024

THANK YOU SO MUCH ...

... for another enlightening explanation (and linked photos) of a unique LV phenomenon. Anyone who ever has the opportunity to visit this amazing establishment should do so.
I had to deal with the painful circumstances surrounding several close relatives severely affected by Alzheimer's Disease, among them my beloved late father and my late wife's father.
I concur with O2bn 1000%. Those who have directly experienced what this disease does to the afflicted and the patient's family members can truly understand and appreciate this outstanding facility; its work, its staff, and its design -- inside and out.
I add one more bittersweet comment. If you don't yet have an appreciation for this facility, what it does, what it stands for, and what it looks like, strive to find it soon! If you and those you love live long enough, you WILL understand!

O2bnVegas Apr-03-2024

wonderful

The idea of creating an admissions system to receive Alzheimer's/dementia patients via a valet and escort each one directly to a private area, rather than to a waiting room full of afflicted...wow!  And looking at the photos, or from outside the building, who knew the inside has natural light and soft colors for the calming effect.  I teared up reading that.

@Jeffrey Small, so true about some donations going to wealthy CEOS, and maybe that is sometimes necessary to get good leadership.  My mailbox is full of pleas from organizations, and I wish I could help them all.  I give to local causes that help our local citizens, e.g. Compassion Center, Salvation Army, women's shelters, animal shelters,etc., while knowing the good works of St. Jude, Shriners and other large organizations need help--wish I could give to them all.

Candy

Question of the Day - 02 April 2024

Comments