Harlem, NY is home to the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP), a neighborhood nonprofit dedicated to shaping champions both on and off the tennis court. With a rich history since 1972, the program now aims to expand and serve even more. Executive director Katrina Adams emphasizes the need for growth while staying at the Harlem Armory Center.

Ambitious Dream: A Public Indoor Tennis Facility

The dream is to create the first public indoor tennis facility in Manhattan, along with outdoor courts. Adams envisions 16 tennis courts - eight indoor and eight outdoor - in a building that could span an entire city block. This facility would include classrooms, locker rooms, a cafeteria, community spaces, and administrative offices. It would be a self-sustaining public facility, renting court time, running clinics and leagues, and hosting events. Currently serving over 800 children with a waitlist of 500, the new facility would increase capacity to approximately 2,500 students annually. 1: The significance of this expansion cannot be overstated. Not only would it serve more youth in Harlem but also kids from all over the city. Tennis is a healthy sport, and the adults also need health and wellness opportunities. It would become a hub for the community, providing a space for people of all ages to come together and engage in this wonderful sport. 2: With 16 courts, the program would be able to offer a wide range of tennis activities and programs. From beginner lessons to advanced competitions, there would be something for everyone. This would help to develop a love for tennis in the community and potentially lead to more players reaching the highest levels of the sport.

Fundraising and Real Estate Options

To achieve its vision, HJTEP is exploring multiple real estate options. This includes purchasing property, a long-term lease, or a partnership with a developer or other entity. Finding suitable space in Harlem is a challenge due to high property costs and limited availability. A comprehensive request for proposals (RFP) is being finalized and will soon be distributed to attract potential partners and investors. 1: The organization is also preparing a capital campaign to fund the project, which will include selling naming rights for the facility. Adams estimates that the raise could be between $50 to $75 million, depending on the location. This is a significant amount, but Adams is confident that there are many people who would want to support this initiative. 2: By selling naming rights, HJTEP can attract corporate sponsors and individuals who are passionate about tennis and education. This would not only provide the necessary funds for the expansion but also bring in additional resources and support for the program. It would be a win-win situation for both the organization and the sponsors.

Lessons from Past Successes

Mirante, who is advising HJTEP, likened the expansion to his previous work with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Over a decade ago, he helped Ailey realize a transformative vision for a new building, overcoming financial and logistical challenges. Just like Judith Jamison at Alvin Ailey, Adams understands the importance of a permanent home for the program. 1: Mirante recalled how Judith Jamison got up and said they needed a new building. At first, there was doubt about the financial aspect, but with the help of the board and supporters, they were able to find the right building. Similarly, HJTEP is working hard to make their dream a reality. 2: The success of the Alvin Ailey project shows that with determination and the right support, anything is possible. HJTEP is taking inspiration from this and is confident that they can achieve their goals. They have a dedicated team and a strong community behind them, and they are ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Timing and Collaboration

Mirante believes that this kind of project really takes a village. The key is to manage the timing so that when they find the site, they are able to execute on it. The group will soon meet with the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Mayor Eric Adams' office. 1: Adams hopes to cut the ribbon at the end of 2028, which is a fast track. However, 2029 would be ideal. This shows the organization's commitment to moving forward and making their expansion a reality. 2: Collaboration with the city and other organizations will be crucial in making this project a success. By working together, they can overcome any obstacles and create a world-class tennis facility in Harlem.Adams has been with HJTEP for nearly 20 years and joined the organization because she understood and believed in its mission. She grew up in inner-city Chicago and knows the power of tennis to transform lives. More information about HJTEP is available here.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.