The new home of the NBA Memphis Grizzlies was honored with an AIA Design Award during a black tie gala at Memphis’ Peabody Hotel. Ellerbe Becket designed the multipurpose arena in association with Looney Ricks Kiss Architects of Memphis.

The design of the $250 million FedExForum, which didn’t overpower the surrounding neighborhood or existing developments, also won praise.

“It is something that was made to fit agreeably into the existing urban context,” said judge Robert Venturi of Venturi, Scott, Brown & Associates of Philadelphia.

Gary Hack, dean of PennDesign at the University of Pennsylvania, called it “the most sensitively sited arena or large-scale facility in an American city.”

FedExForum opened on time and budget in 2004 in the heart of downtown Memphis. Besides hosting the Grizzlies, it is also home to University of Memphis basketball, as well as concerts, circuses and other entertainment offerings.

An innovator since its founding in 1909, Ellerbe Becket is a leader in architecture, engineering and the construction industry with office locations worldwide.

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