A year-round showroom for medical equipment from various manufacturers is being planned for Cleveland. It would let makers of high-end equipment put their products on display for doctors, hospital managers, and others to more easily compare before making a purchasing decision. Proponents say the Mart would be an efficient way for medical companies to show off products to potential clients.

“We are focusing on getting display equipment from about twenty-five manufacturers of products such as MRI machines and hospital beds,” says Tim Hagan, one of Cleveland's county commissioners. The plan is that these companies would provide a critical mass that would attract more firms. “Medical Mart would be the first of its kind in the U.S.,” says Hagan.

In addition, plans call for a new near-by 300,000 ft² convention center that would host medical trade shows. There are about 571 medical tradeshows and medical conferences held annually in the U.S. and most of these change their venue each year. The center would also include classrooms for technical presentations. The two facilities would add value to the activities at the other.

“Putting the Mart in Cleveland makes sense because of the proximity of research facilities at the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, and the medical school at Case Western Reserve University. If doctors want to see a piece of equipment in action, it's a short drive to any of these places,” adds Hagan. The facilities would be managed by Chicago-based trade-show developer Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.

Although the price tag has been estimated at some $450 million over 20 years, planners see great benefit to the city in terms of jobs and revenue. Funding will come from private sources with taxes paying for facility upgrades.