Vanderbilt Memorial Gym

Nashville, Tennessee
Construction cost: $12 million
Additions and renovations in 1999, 2001, and 2008

At JJCA, we appreciate the value of preserving great history. Some of the world's most famous architecture has withstood the test of time, not always because of functionality, but because of the rich history that emanates from the walls of an old building. So when we were given the opportunity to blend old and new together to create an updated Vanderbilt Memorial Gym, you could say we "jumped" at the chance.

• Starting With the Fundamentals

  In an academically-driven environment, raising funds to update a gym takes time. So our game plan was to start with the fundamentals in 1999 - the interior of the gym and separate lobbies. In 2001, we hit some key shots with the coaches' space, donor space and practice facilities. And we've maintained the energy and enthusiasm that keeps us in the game even today, as we renovated the locker rooms and gym floor a few years ago.

• Creating Magic at Memorial

  We're proud to say that we've modernized the Vanderbilt Memorial Gym to provide the amenities needed to recruit and retain athletes and staff, without losing the nostalgia. Team benches continue to be located on the baselines rather than the sidelines. The same court, built in 1952, still rises several feet above the first level of spectators. And there's a mystique about the place, often called the "magic at Memorial" that has given the Vanderbilt Commodores what appears to be much more than just a home-court advantage. They have been able to magically rise well beyond rankings and expectations to win some of the country's most exciting college basketball games on this historic court.

  No wonder NCAA announcers have called it "the most unique venue in the SEC. "