Category: News

Named by Fast Company as one of the top 10 most innovative companies in architecture in 2014, GLUCK+ has been recognized for their unique approach to Architect Led Design Build: single-source responsibility with architects leading the building process. The same team works on the entire building project, from design to construction, helping elevate quality and reduce cost for the client, while linking creativity and responsibility.

NYJTL talked with GLUCK+ founder and principal, Peter Gluck, about the project and its impact on the Bronx.

How would you describe the Cary Leeds Center?

Conceptually, the project is designed as a series of platforms—both for viewing tennis, from the beginner to professional level, and metaphorically a platform to encourage afterschool learning – a project to create the opportunity for inner city kids to experience success on the tennis court as well as in life.

How would you describe GLUCK+’s approach to the Center?

We have partnered with New York Junior Tennis & Learning now for over 10 years. Our goal has always been to facilitate the best possible use of their resources from the point of view of cost, design, and programmatic use.

What “green” elements did you incorporate into the structure?

The building is partially buried. It is a strategy to minimize the impact of a large structure in the park, and also to take advantage of natural geothermal heating and cooling on below ground surfaces.

What would you say is the defining element of the structure?

It is all about viewing, playing, and learning.

What were some – if any – of the challenges to create the 12,000-square-foot facility at this location?

Many challenges—best managed by our single-source provision of both the design and construction, which provides agile, immediate responses to those challenges that cross all aspects of any complicated project.

What are some interesting features that visitors should look out for?

Opportunities to view tennis from multiple vantage points, multi-functional spaces to accommodate the venue’s programs, naturally daylit spaces, bold design elements.

NYJTL President and CEO Deborah MacFarlane Antoine won the top honors in the Nonprofit category at the inaugural 2015 Executives’ Association of New York City (EANYC) CEO Deals of Distinction awards gala, held last night at Capitale in Manhattan.

The program recognizes top business and nonprofit CEO’s from the New York City region who have a unique story to tell about an innovative transaction or partnership that made a significant impact on the organization and community. The deal for which NYJTL was honored is the $26.5 million public-private partnership to conceive, design and build the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx.

“I am delighted and grateful that the Executives’ Association of New York City has recognized the work of New York Junior Tennis & Learning,” said Deborah. “This award is a credit to the dedicated team – including NYJTL’s spirited founder Lewis “Skip” Hartman – that has worked relentlessly to make the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning a reality.”

Deal of Distinction finalists and winners were chosen by an independent panel of local business leaders and assessed based on the details of their deal, and how it positively affected the organization and community.

Set to open on June 15, the Cary Leeds Center is decades in the making, and a testament to the longstanding commitment of public and private partners to create a center that will touch the lives of an estimated 30,000 students within walking distance of the center in the South Bronx, and many more thousands city wide. 

NYJTL’s partners and supporters on the project include the City of New York, the New York City Council, the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Billie Jean King and The Womens Sports Foundation, and the United States Tennis Association. A multi-year capital campaign, chaired by Tory Kiam and Larry Leeds, raised the $11.5 million in private funds to complete the project.

“For decades, NYJTL has successfully blended tennis and education together in an effort to contribute to the development of young people on and off the tennis court,” said D.A. Abrams, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, USTA. “Their outstanding work has been integral to the delivery of high quality programs in neighborhoods across New York City. We congratulate NYJTL on their Deal of Distinction, and for the opportunities that the Center will provide to many more thousands of children and their families.”

“Deborah Antoine’s Deal of Distinction award underscores the significance of her work and vision with respect to the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning,” said Randy Master, Vice President for Advertising Sales, Tennis Channel. “As an NYJTL Board Member, I couldn’t be prouder of Deborah whose leadership will ensure that best is yet to come for the kids NYJTL serves.”

Located in the 127-acre Crotona Park, the Cary Leeds Center will serve children in one of the nation’s poorest Congressional districts, offering more than 6,000 court hours year-round, and providing space for educators to help young people improve their performance in school.

“Cary Leeds loved teaching the sport, especially to young players. As a place where children of all backgrounds will access tennis and educational opportunities, the Center will be a fitting memorial to Cary’s life and will make the world a better place, because he was here,” said Larry Leeds.

Additionally, the Cary Leeds Center will bring new energy and financial vitality to the South Bronx by featuring major local, national, and international professional tennis tournaments that will draw visitors from around the world.

SmartCEO magazine, the exclusive media partner of EANYC’s Deals of Distinction Awards, profiled the 40 finalists, including Deborah, in its May issue. To read Deborah’s profile, click here.

To learn more about the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning, click here.