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The Charlotte Hornets have selected the Gilbane Building Co. of Providence, Rhode Island, as part of a joint venture for the NBA team’s new state-of-the-art practice facility, according to a report. News release of October 14. The team will build the structure on a site adjacent to the Spectrum Center, where the NBA franchise plays its home games.
According to the release, Gilbane was selected along with Denver-based strategic management consultancy CAA Icon, Kansas City, Mo.-based design firm Populous and hometown builder RJ Leeper. The city of Charlotte provided $30 million for the project, and the team’s ownership group wants to spend $70 million to $100 million. Axios reported in September.
The facility will include more than 100,000 square feet of training, practice and recovery space, as well as 35,000 square feet of administrative offices for the team’s business operations, according to the release. It will also feature up to 2,500 square feet of retail space and a public plaza.
“This effort is an incredible opportunity to elevate player performance by leveraging our extensive local construction experience and national sports expertise to benefit Buzz City,” said Evan Synstad, Gilbane’s North Carolina business leader, in the communicated “Our joint venture team is committed to promoting local and diverse business opportunities, using this transformative project to make a significant impact in Uptown Charlotte and the community at large.”
The performance center is part of a larger $275 million plan to revitalize the area, which includes renovations to the Spectrum Center, according to Axios. In January, the the select franchise in New York City Turner Construction lead renovations to the arena, with a price tag of $215 million.
According to the release, the project team will begin construction on the practice facility in 2025, and the Hornets hope to have the facility open for the 2026-27 season.
