$15.7 million Expansion/Renovation Coming to Tennis Hall of Fame

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

GoLocalProv Sports Team

The International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum has launched its first project in a multi-faceted $15.7 million expansion and renovation project.

The project will expand the Newport campus by one acre and will produce a world-class tennis facility as well as major enhancements to Newport Street.

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"This is the largest, most exciting project the International Tennis Hall of Fame has ever taken on. The Hall of Fame welcomes thousands of tennis fans from all over the world each year. Our goal within this project is to make the Hall of Fame a must-see international destination for all tennis fans, and to ensure that the facility is an asset to our local community," commented International Tennis Hall of Fame Chairman Christopher Clouser, who also serves as co-chair of the Capital Campaign Committee.

"A project of this scale is only possible thanks to tremendous support from committed donors, an engaged campaign committee, and a supportive community. I would like to thank our outstanding donors and also recognize my Campaign Co-Chair Ed Woolard for his unwavering dedication," commented Clouser.

The project has four primary areas of focus, all of which are funded by the Match Point Capital Campaign. The focal points are: Adding additional tennis courts and facilities; Strategically expanding the Hall of Fame's footprint in a manner that is in keeping with Newport's historic aesthetic and enhances the community; Upgrading the museum with new technology and enhanced exhibitions; And improving campus-wide amenities (including upgrades to the tennis stadium).

Hall of Fame leaders and project donors gathered today with an enthusiastic group of about 200 supporters and community leaders to celebrate the official groundbreaking. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, United States Congressman David Cicilline, President of the Rhode Island Senate Teresa Paiva Weed, and Newport City Council Vice Chair Naomi Neville were among those who participated in the official groundbreaking ceremony.

The ceremony was primarily focused on the first component of the project, which is the development of a significant building that will re-define a major Newport street, Memorial Boulevard. The 16,000 square foot building will house locker rooms, a fitness area, retail space, and Hall of Fame offices. Adjacent to this building will be a 21,000 square foot facility containing 3 indoor tennis courts, with 3 adjacent indoor/outdoor courts.

Following today's ceremony, work will progress rapidly on the new tennis facilities, with additional phases of the campaign projects being implemented in the near future. A complete renovation will begin on the museum later this year, and the new museum will offer a significantly improved visitor experience through state-of-the-art technology and a complete re-interpretation of the museum collection to best showcase the history of tennis and its greatest champions and leaders.

Additionally, improvements will be made to the Hall of Fame grounds, including an entirely new South Grandstand in the stadium, providing more comfortable seating and handicap accessibility.

"A major priority within this project has always been to ensure that it be a benefit to our entire community. The buildings will revitalize an important Newport streetscape, and we will be able to offer increased tennis programming in the new facilities," commented Mark Stenning, CEO. "The project has received great support from our government leaders and the City of Newport, for which we are appreciative."

Also participating in today's ceremony was Doug Madden, an 11-year-old fifth grader from Gaudet Middle School who plays tennis regularly at the Hall of Fame Tennis Club.

"Doug and his friends are the future of our sport, and we are doing this expansion so that they will be able to enjoy this new facility for many years to come," commented Clouser.

The new buildings, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP, are intended be complementary to the beautifully restored historic buildings of the Newport Casino, in which the Hall of Fame is located.

"In moving forward with this project, it was of the highest priority for the Hall of Fame to engage vendors who would be as engaged and invested in its success as we are," commented Stenning. "We have certainly found that support in our Owners Representative, Dan Paquette; our Construction Manager, Behan Brothers of Middletown; and our architect, Robert A.M. Stern Architects."

Behan Brothers, Inc., which is owned by Michael J. Behan and based in Middletown, R.I., has extensive experience ranging from luxury homes to large and technically demanding commercial structures. Recent work in nearby areas has included a historic renovation on the Redwood Library in Newport, R.I., new construction on the Tiverton Public Library in Tiverton, R.I., and construction management on the Carnegie Abbey Golf House in Portsmouth, R.I.

Dan Paquette, managing partner of SCM, LLC is serving as the owner's representative on the project. He oversees functions including land acquisition and entitlements, budgets and schedules, management of the Architect and Construction Manager, project coordination, fundraising support, and project closeout.

Further information and regular updates about the project progress can be found on http://www.tennisfame.com/MatchPointCampaign.

 

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