The new Lester Community Center in Memphis’s Binghampton neighborhood reimagines a historic community anchor as a vibrant, future-facing hub. Known as the place where NBA legend Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway grew up playing—and later coached—basketball, Lester is a symbol of local pride and opportunity.
Design Concept
Inspired by church vernacular, the design reflects the spiritual role community centers play in neighborhoods. The gymnasium’s pitched roof evokes a traditional nave, while dynamic rooflines, bold yellow accents, and playful window patterns create an identity that is instantly recognizable and welcoming.
Program & Layout
The facility includes a full-size basketball court with spectator seating, multi-purpose rooms, fitness areas, and community gathering spaces. The lobby serves as a transparent hub, connecting visitors visually and physically to activity areas inside and to the public plaza outside.
Materials & Expression
Durable materials—vertical metal siding, brick masonry, polished concrete—are paired with vibrant yellow mesh and tile to convey energy and optimism. Natural light floods the gym through clerestory windows, reducing energy use and creating an uplifting atmosphere.
Impact
Lester’s design bridges generations—honoring the center’s storied past while inviting new stories to unfold. As a modern civic beacon, it fosters connection, growth, and pride, ensuring its place as a cultural and social cornerstone for years to come.
