Finding your way around a massive medical campus is honestly a nightmare sometimes. If you’ve ever stared at a map of the Cleveland Clinic main campus and felt your brain start to melt, you are definitely not alone. It’s a city within a city. Specifically, the Cleveland Clinic S Building—formally known as the Taussig Cancer Institute—is one of those places that people often search for with a mix of anxiety and confusion.
It’s big. It’s glass. It’s incredibly busy.
Whether you're heading there for a routine checkup, a grueling infusion session, or just trying to find the right entrance for a loved one, there are things about the S Building that aren't always obvious on a GPS. We’re talking about a facility that handles some of the most complex oncology cases in the world. But on a practical level, it's also a place where you just need to know where to park so you aren't walking half a mile in the Ohio winter.
What is the Cleveland Clinic S Building actually for?
Basically, the S Building is the heart of the Taussig Cancer Institute. Completed back in 2017, this 377,000-square-foot structure was designed to centralize everything related to cancer care. Before this building existed, patients often had to trek across multiple buildings for labs, then imaging, then chemotherapy. That’s exhausting. The whole point of the S Building was to stop that "medical hiking."
Inside, you’ll find everything from radiation oncology and genomics to a dedicated wellness center. It’s meant to be a one-stop shop. They’ve got over 120 exam rooms and 98 treatment bays. That sounds like a lot, and it is. Yet, despite the scale, the architects (William Rawn Associates and Stantec) tried to make it feel less like a sterile hospital and more like... well, something human. There is a ton of natural light.
You’ve probably seen the massive glass facade facing Carnegie Avenue. That’s not just for aesthetics. It’s designed to bring light into the infusion suites because, honestly, sitting in a dark basement for a six-hour treatment is soul-crushing.
Location and the "North-South" confusion
One thing that trips people up is the naming convention. The Cleveland Clinic uses a letter system for its buildings. The Cleveland Clinic S Building is located on the north side of Carnegie Avenue, specifically at 10201 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106.
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It’s right next to the Crile Building (A Building) and the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (J Building). If you find yourself near the big domed InterContinental Hotel, you’re in the right neighborhood, but you need to head slightly west.
Getting there without losing your mind
Parking is the number one stressor. Seriously. If you show up ten minutes before your appointment, you’re already late. The closest parking for the S Building is the P1 North Garage, which is located on 93rd Street.
- Valet is your friend. If you have mobility issues or you're just feeling overwhelmed, use the valet service right at the S Building entrance off 102nd Street. It costs more than the garage, but the peace of mind is usually worth it.
- The Skyway connection. Cleveland weather is famously terrible. You can move between most of the main campus buildings, including the S Building, via the indoor skyways (tunnels and bridges). This is huge if it's snowing or pouring.
- Ride-share drop-offs. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, make sure you specify "Taussig Cancer Center" or "S Building entrance." If they drop you at the main clinic entrance (the Q Building), you’re going to have a very long walk ahead of you.
The traffic on Carnegie Avenue during rush hour is no joke. If your appointment is at 8:00 AM or 4:30 PM, add an extra 20 minutes just for the last three blocks of the drive.
Inside the S Building: Layout and flow
Once you step through those rotating glass doors, the scale hits you. The first floor is mostly the high-traffic stuff. You've got the pharmacy, the cafe (which actually has decent coffee), and the blood lab.
The blood lab is a well-oiled machine. You check in, get a pager or a text notification, and wait. It moves fast, but on Tuesday mornings, it can feel like a crowded airport terminal.
The Upper Floors
As you move up, the floors become more specialized.
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- Level 1: Radiation Oncology. This is where the heavy machinery lives—the linear accelerators for radiation treatment.
- Level 2: Imaging and some multidisciplinary clinics.
- Levels 3 & 4: This is where the bulk of the oncology sub-specialties are located (Breast, Leukemia, Lung, etc.).
- Level 5: The Infusion Center. This is where patients receive chemotherapy.
The infusion area is actually pretty impressive. Instead of just open rows of chairs, they have private and semi-private bays. Many of them face the windows. It makes a difference. Being able to see the sky or the street below helps you feel less trapped.
What most people get wrong about the S Building
People often assume the Cleveland Clinic S Building is only for people who are currently in active, "traditional" treatment. That’s not quite right. A huge part of what happens here is "Supportive Care."
There is a center for music therapy, massage, and even a wig boutique called "The 4th Angel." They deal with the side effects of being a patient—the stuff that isn't just "killing the bad cells." There are also social workers and financial navigators located right in the building. If you’re struggling with the cost of meds or just need someone to talk to, you don't have to go to a different campus. You just go to a different floor.
Another misconception? That you can just "pop in" for a lab test. While the S Building has a lab, if you aren't a Taussig patient, they might redirect you to the A Building (Crile) or the main outpatient labs. It’s always better to check where your specific order was sent.
The "Team" approach
One thing the Cleveland Clinic brags about—and it actually seems to hold water here—is the "multidisciplinary" thing. In the S Building, the doctors don't stay in their own silos. The surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation experts are often literally in the same hallway.
If you’re a patient, this means instead of you driving to three different offices on three different days, the doctors often meet behind the scenes to discuss your case in "tumor boards." It’s a sophisticated way of ensuring everyone is on the same page.
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Real-world tips for your visit
If you’re spending the day there, here is the "insider" info:
- The Cafe (First Floor): It’s called the Taussig Cafe. It’s fine for a sandwich, but if you want something better, the cafeteria in the J Building (Heart Center) is massive and has way more options. It’s a 5-minute indoor walk away.
- The Rooftop Terrace: On the fourth floor, there’s an outdoor terrace. If the weather is even remotely nice, go out there. It’s a rare spot of quiet and fresh air in the middle of a hospital.
- Quiet Rooms: There are designated "Quiet Rooms" throughout the building. If the waiting room noise is getting to you, or you just got some tough news and need a minute to breathe, ask a volunteer where the nearest one is.
- The Red Coats: You’ll see people in red coats or vests. They are volunteers. Most of them are retirees or former patients. They know the building better than anyone. If you look lost for more than five seconds, one will usually find you. Let them help you.
Why the architecture matters
It sounds like "marketing speak," but the way the Cleveland Clinic S Building was built actually impacts care. Because the building is organized by "organ system" (e.g., all the breast cancer experts on one floor, all the GI experts on another), the nurses and staff become hyper-specialized.
The person drawing your blood or prepping your IV in the S Building does this for cancer patients all day, every day. They know how to handle "difficult starts" or fragile veins. They understand the specific anxieties that come with a PET scan versus a CT scan.
Navigating the complex billing and check-in
Expect to use the kiosks. The Cleveland Clinic has moved heavily toward self-check-in. You’ll see banks of monitors when you walk in. You scan your ID or your MyChart barcode, and it tells you where to go.
If you hate technology, don't panic. There are always real humans at the desks, but the kiosks are usually faster. Also, keep your MyChart app updated. It will actually ping your phone when you enter the building and can sometimes check you in automatically via GPS.
Final practical takeaways
Heading to the Cleveland Clinic S Building doesn't have to be a disaster. It is a world-class facility, but it’s still a giant maze if you aren't prepared.
- Download the "Wayfinder" app. The Cleveland Clinic has an app specifically for indoor navigation. It works like Google Maps but for inside the hospital.
- Write down your questions. Because the S Building is so efficient, sometimes the doctors move fast. Have your list ready so you don't forget the important stuff when they walk in.
- Bring a sweater. No matter how hot it is in Cleveland, the S Building (especially the infusion areas) is always chilly. It’s the law of hospitals.
- Check your entrance. Ensure you are entering via the Carnegie Ave side or the 102nd Street side. Don't let a taxi drop you at the J Building unless you're looking for a workout.
The S Building represents a massive shift in how cancer is treated in the Midwest. It’s a high-tech, high-volume environment, but it’s designed with the patient's physical and emotional comfort in mind. Just remember to give yourself an extra 30 minutes for parking and check-in, and you'll be ahead of the game.
Actionable Next Steps
If you have an upcoming appointment at the S Building, your first move should be to log into your MyChart account and verify which floor your provider is on. Next, decide now if you are going to use the P1 Garage or Valet—knowing your plan before you hit the Carnegie Avenue traffic will significantly lower your stress levels. Finally, if you're a new patient, arrive at least 30 minutes early to handle the inevitable paperwork and navigating the kiosk system.