project overview

LESTER COMMUNITY CENTER | Binghampton

Artist: Melody Gordon and Jaden Spencer

Budget: $20,000  (in addition to four finalist honoraria of $500 each)  

Upcoming benchmark/update: Schematic Design

BACKGROUND

About Lester Community Center:

Lester Community Center originally opened in 1980.

The New Lester Community Center will be located at 2980 Mimosa Ave and opened in May 2025. The 28,000 sq. ft. facility includes a gymnasium with seating for 500 spectators, an elevated walking track, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The new center will also include locker rooms, computer labs, and multi-functional community spaces. A fully equipped kitchen will support community events, making the center a versatile space for fitness, education, and social gatherings. (Courtesy of Turner Construction)

Mural areas will include front and back entrance windows, side windows, second floor gym window, gym track, and the computer room.

About Binghampton:

Binghampton is a vibrant, multi-generational, and family-oriented neighborhood located in the heart of Memphis. Centrally situated, it is known for its rich commercial and industrial history, strong emphasis on homeownership and entrepreneurship, and a large, active faith community.

Historically, the intersection of Tillman Street and Hale Avenue was racially segregated. Today, it stands as a symbol of the neighborhood’s progress- a diverse and inclusive community with residents from around the world.

Key landmarks that reflect the spirit and history of Binghampton include:

  • Lester Community Center 

  • The Historic Lester School (now Cornerstone/Lester Prep)

  • The Allen Malt Stand

  • East High School

  • Carpenter Art Garden

  • Tillman Cove

  • Binghampton Development Corporation

  • King’s Gas Station 

Several longtime community members have played pivotal roles in shaping Binghampton’s identity. Among them are community leaders Walter Casey and Jeanita Davis, who have been integral to the community center since its founding in the 1980s. NBA star and Memphian, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway grew up playing basketball at the Lester Community Center.

About UAC:

The UrbanArt Commission (UAC) works to create opportunities for artists and neighborhoods to connect and shape spaces through public art. Since 2002, UAC has managed the City of Memphis’s Percent-For-Art Program, which allocates funds annually to develop public art in connection to capital improvement projects. UAC also facilitates public art projects throughout the city working with various partners and clients to support artists and new experiences with art.

front entrance- Lester Community Center

front entrance windows- Lester Community Center

front entrance- Lester Community Center

side windows- Lester Community Center

back entrance windows- Lester Community Center

gym track- Lester Community Center

upstairs gym window- Lester Community Center

computer room- Lester Community Center

SCOPE OF WORK

UrbanArt Commission (UAC) and The City of Memphis is commissioning Melody Gordon and Jaden Spencer to create a series of mural designs to be installed at Lester Community Center. Mural areas will include front and back entrance windows, side windows, second floor gym window, gym track, and the computer room.

The selection committee expresses an interest in murals that will:

  • Highlight the environmentally conscious and sustainable concepts and amenities of the new facility through an abstract theme of concepts

  • Reflect the activities and experience of a modern-day community center, including its function as a flexible community gathering space and hub for the exchange of exercise and education

  • Reference the history of Binghampton, but focus of the future of this community that values families, children, entrepreneurship and growth

  • Showcase images of multiple generations from youth to seniors

  • Include themes of family, sports, unity, restoration, positivity, community, and respect 

SELECTION COMMITTEE 

  • Atlantis Warren- City of Memphis Parks Division: Community Engagement Manager

  • Jeanita Davis- Lester Community Center: Director

  • Kendall McDonald- City of Memphis Parks Division: Development Manager

  • Maggie Weidner- Berclair Elementary Teacher

  • Mike Lemm, City Engineering Representative (non-voting)

About Artists:

Melody Gordon


Coming soon…

Jaden Spencer

Coming soon…