Las Vegas came up empty-handed in its bid for a Cleveland Clinic extension in the Sin City.
The clinic confirmed in 2002 that it was discussing with the city of Las Vegas the possibility of building a $200 million, 200-bed teaching hospital on 60 acres the city would donate. The clinic had branched out with a medical center in Florida, and a Las Vegas site would bring it into the nation's fastest-growing state, population-wise.
Clinic spokeswoman Angela Calman said the system never committed to the project but merely explored the opportunity. Instead, it has chosen to focus on a stem-cell and genetics research center and a new heart hospital on its Cleveland campus, projects expected to cost more than $300 million.
"The Las Vegas project doesn't fall within our current priorities," Calman said.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman could not be reached for comment at deadline. In news reports, the mayor has said he still plans to attract a major medical center to the city.
