The Auerbach Center | Boston, Massachusetts | 2018

Architects: Elkus Manfredi Architects
Client: NB Development Group, LLC.
General Contractor: John Moriarity & Associates
Photographers: Robert Benson Photography

The Celtics, Boston's professional basketball team, and NB Development Group had a shared goal: Move the home base of the 17-time NBA champions from their suburban location to a new practice facility at Boston Landing, an emerging wellness district developed by NB Development Group. The Celtics' new home needed to focus on athletic performance, innovation, and commitment to community, and most importantly, support the young players in every way, from superlative nutrition and conditioning to the top-level coaching and mentoring necessary to develop and maintain the most competitive athletes.

Elkus Manfredi Architects answered the challenge with a stunning architectural gesture seen daily by thousands of fans. The 70,000 sqft Auerbach Center at New Balance World Headquarters'—named for legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach'—dramatically cantilevers toward a major commuter highway atop a mixed-use building that is elegantly massed as a skewed stack of three two-story elements.

With 30-foot-tall windows that put the Celtics' winning brand on outward display, the building allows the team to focus its energy inward toward the exclusive high-tech facility. Built-in flexibility allows the space to evolve with the latest sports medicine and training. Lighting, materials, and color considerations help simulate game-day experiences; the practice courts feature the team's signature red oak parquet flooring.

The building's lower floors support the district's mixed-use vision, including office/laboratory spaces and street-level retail/restaurants. Prominently occupying the top floors, the Auerbach Center lets the Celtics maximize their ability to attract and retain top talent in the high-stakes game of professional basketball.