John Katsilometes takes note of Ruvo center’s groundbreaking

Friday, Feb. 9, 2007 | 7:11 a.m.

It may be a largely symbolic moment, but a key step in downtown development takes place at 4:30 p.m. today with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, on the southwest corner of Bonneville Avenue and Grand Central Parkway in the Union Park project.

The stars of the project will be on hand, including architect Frank Gehry, Larry Ruvo, Dr. Zaven Khachaturian of the institute and Dan Van Epp, a regional president of Newland Communities, which is overseeing the Union Park project.

Much of this weekend's media coverage of the institute will be centered on Saturday's Keep Memory Alive "Power of Love" gala fundraiser at the MGM Grand. The list of celebrities expected to attend include Teri Hatcher, John Cusack, Hilary and Haylie Duff, Lorraine Bracco and Criss Angel (who has replaced Kevin Sorbo as the celeb most frequently sighted on Vegas red carpets). The featured entertainer is Brad Garrett and the night's meal will be prepared by the holy culinary triumvirate of Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali and Joel Robuchon. The auctioneers are James G. Niven of Sotheby's and Las Vegas' favorite avuncular celebrity journalist, Robin Leach.

Although the project's architectural design and the gala's fundraising power and splash of celebrities are impressive, Khachaturian says it is important to remember the institute's chief objective. "Given that 80 million Baby Boomers are now coming of age and are living longer than previous generations, we are seeing people who will need medical assistance for a good portion of their lives," Khachaturian said . "This is all about improving and sustaining a quality of life for millions of people."

NoteMart

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