Memphis private school plans new athletic center
By Wendy Guzmán – Reporter, Memphis Business Journal
April 15, 2026
A Memphis private school has announced plans for a new athletic center.
Evangelical Christian School (ECS) is set to build the Jim Heinz Athletic Center, named after the school's longtime football coach and Tennessee Hall of Fame honoree, Jim Heinz.
The new athletic center is anticipated to cost between $3 million and $3.5 million, ECS head of school Scott Hauss told MBJ.
Funding is expected to come from private donors and the school's community. ECS is the fourth-largest Memphis-area private school based on enrollment, according to MBJ research.
The architect on the project is 4FDesign, and Grinder, Taber & Grinder will serve as the general contractor.
ECS expects a groundbreaking this summer, with the project's completion expected in spring 2027. The facility will be located between the north end zone of ECS's football and soccer field and the south entrance to Eagle Hall.
“This addition represents an exciting step forward for our school,” Hauss said in a news release. “It will serve our entire athletic program while also allowing us to expand and improve other areas of campus. Most importantly, it supports our mission of developing students for Christ in every aspect of their lives.
The new facility is expected to include a weight room, boys' and girls' locker rooms, athletic offices, and an outdoor turf training space.
Existing facilities on the property will also be repurposed. The current field house will be renovated into a fine arts building, and the weight room will be converted to a hitting facility for the baseball and softball programs.
Heinz served as coach at ECS from 1978 to 2010, returning in 2019. During his tenure, he led the football and baseball programs to seven state championships. Heinz passed away in 2020.
ECS has 29 state championships across its 10 sports teams. The new facility is expected to help advance the school's ability to support student athletes, the release noted.
“I have not met anyone who could get more out of a player than Coach Heinz,” coach Aubrey Boren, ECS head of strength and conditioning, said in the release. “He had a way of inspiring players to be their best while making each person feel valued. This facility is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”
