Gilbane | Leeper Joins Charlotte Hornets to Commemorate Tipoff of Novant Health Performance Center Construction Project
Ceremony attended by franchise, city and community leaders among other special guests including past and present Hornets players, NBA alumni
Gilbane Building Company and joint venture partner, R.J. Leeper Construction, joined the Charlotte Hornets on March 26, 2025 for a special groundbreaking celebration to commemorate the tipoff of construction for the Novant Health Performance Center, the Charlotte Hornet’s new state-of-the-art training facility. The groundbreaking celebration – held at the future site of the building directly across N. Caldwell Street from Spectrum Center – featured remarks from various HSE leaders, including Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Novant Health’s Senior Vice President and President of the Charlotte Region Dr. Sid Fletcher, among others. Hornets players, project partners and program participants joined on stage for a ceremonial groundbreaking to conclude the event.
“As we break ground on the Novant Health Performance Center, we are not just constructing a building, we are laying the foundation for an exciting future,” said Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson. “This facility will be a center of excellence, equipped with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art resources to help our athletes perform at the highest level. We are incredibly proud to partner with Novant Health, whose expertise and innovation in sports science and athlete care will make this one of the premier performance centers in the NBA.”
“Gilbane Building Company is proud to partner with R.J. Leeper Construction to leverage our collective expertise for the new Novant Performance Enhancement Center,” said Evan Synstad, Charlotte business leader, Gilbane Building Company. “We are committed to the Hornets’ vision of building a premier franchise in Charlotte and recognize the importance of a world-class practice facility for the team and community.”
“A successful build starts with the right people,” said Lorie Spratley, president, R.J. Leeper Construction. “In partnership with Gilbane, we bring in talent that represents this city, and we deliver work that stands the test of time. The Hornets have set the tone from the start—with clear priorities around quality, impact, and community.”
As previously announced, the Novant Health Performance Center will feature more than 160,000 total square feet of space for training and performance, administrative offices, retail, orthopedic and sports medicine care once completed. Gilbane Building Company and R.J. Leeper Construction will serve as the construction manager. Additional project partners include global sports and entertainment venue design firm Populous and real-estate consulting firm Lincoln Properties, who serves as the owner’s rep. The Novant Health Performance Center is scheduled to open during the 2026-27 season.
For more information on the initiative and to view the full celebration, visit hornets.com/performancecenter.
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane Building Company is a global leader in construction management, delivering high-quality projects for clients across various markets. Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services. Founded in 1870, Gilbane is still a privately held, family-owned company. With more than 45 office locations worldwide, Gilbane brings world-class experience to local communities.
About R.J. Leeper Construction, LLC
Founded in 1994, R.J. Leeper Construction is a premier construction management and general contracting firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a subsidiary of Bright Hope Capital, LLC, the company is recognized for its commitment to quality, diversity, and community impact. Leeper Construction’s diverse portfolio includes multi-phase developments, airport expansions, convention center renovations, and educational institutions, all designed to enhance the built environment and strengthen communities. Learn more at www.leeperconstruction.com