Ballet Memphis
An organization built around movement deserved a space that reflects that energy. In 2017, Grinder, Taber & Grinder collaborated with long-time-partner, archimania, to construct Ballet Memphis’s new 40,000-square-foot headquarters in Midtown, creating a performance and educational facility that supports its mission and connects with the surrounding community.
GTG approached the project with a focus on balancing function, visibility, and design. The contemporary facility includes five studios, administrative and artistic offices, dressing and locker rooms for both professional dancers as well as students, a costume shop, and warehouse space.
Layers of glass define the building, creating transparency and a strong visual connection to the active urban district, while contrasting metal elements echo the movement and artistry of dance. Outdoor courtyards and mesh screens extend activity beyond the building, while careful attention to the streetscape creates an inviting presence. Triple-layer, sound-dampening glass was utilized to allow passersby to view rehearsals and performances without disrupting what’s happening inside.
Acoustic performance was a critical component of the build. With multiple classes, large studio volumes, and constant use of music, GTG worked closely with an acoustic consultant to limit sound transmission between spaces as much as possible. Oversized ductwork was installed in the main performance areas to further reduced noise, supporting a high-quality experience for both performers and instructors.
The exterior required additional coordination to ensure long-term durability. To prevent corrosion between materials, GTG introduced a galvanic separation between steel posts and copper panels, using a rubber barrier to keep the surfaces from making direct contact. This solution preserves the integrity and appearance of the perforated metal screen, which shifts throughout the day as light interacts with the surface.
Through this project, GTG delivered a headquarters that supports Ballet Memphis’s continued growth while reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity, engagement, and connection to the community.
photo courtesy of archimania, architect
AWARDS
• 2020 Architizer, A+ Awards, Jury Award Winner in Commercial Mixed-Use
• 2020 The Chicago Athenaeum, American Architecture Award
• 2020 North American Copper in Architecture, Design Award for Copper
• 2018 Architizer, A+ Awards, Finalist in Commercial-Mixed Use
• 2018 Metal Construction Association (MCA) Chairman’s Awards, Award in Institutional Category
• 2018 Metal Construction News Building & Roofing Awards, Metal Walls (new construction) Award
• 2018 Metal Architecture, Design Award for Natural Metals
• 2018 AIA/CAE Education Facility Design, Award of Merit
• 2018 Building Memphis Award (Best New Construction; Large category)
• Architizer, A+ Awards, Finalist in Gyms & Recreation
• AIA/CAE Education Facility Design, Award of Merit
• AIA Gulf States Region, Honor Citation
• AIA Tennessee, Award of Excellence
• AIA Memphis, Award of Excellence
