Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. President Chris Kennedy (center) turns over the first ceremonial shovel of dirt at a groundbreaking event held January 14 for the Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center. Joining Kennedy for the groundbreaking ceremony on the Cleveland Mall were Ohio Governor John Kasich (far right), along with (from left): Cleveland Council President Martin Sweeney, Cuyahoga County Council President C. Ellen Connally, Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason, and Cleveland council member Joe Cimperman. The project, which will offer 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and approximately 160,000 square feet of meeting space, will be completed in fall 2013. While a permanent showroom will be leased by medical manufacturers and providers, the updated convention center will host a variety of meetings, including those of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the National Model Railroad Association.