In a deal that offers Boca Raton an opportunity to generate consistent national media attention, Evert Tennis Academy is teaming up with the U.S. Tennis Association to provide year-round housing for top junior players.
The academy -- founded and run by tennis great Chris Evert and her brother John -- will build a three-story, 18,000- sq.-ft. facility that will serve as headquarters for USTA player development. USTA is leasing the facility from the Evert Academy, which declined to disclose the project's value. The USTA plans to move its 25 employees from Key Biscayne to the new facility by next September.
The addition builds on a strong sports base that already exists in the area. The PGA is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, and several world-ranked players live in the area, including Serena and Venus Williams.
"We know from our experience with the PGA that the sporting industry brings a huge revenue stream in television. This USTA deal is a healthy indicator that the tennis world is moving our way as well," says Mike Jones, head of the Economic Development Council of Palm Beach.
Area officials hope the double-team provided by the USTA and Evert Academy will generate for Boca the attention that the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy brings to Bradenton, in Manatee County on Florida's Gulf Coast. Nancy Engle, executive director of the Manatee County Economic Development Council, says, "We couldn't buy the advertising we get when one of the academy's protégés ranks nationally."