SouthStar, LLC, the Franklin-based real estate development company behind the Legacy Pointe project in Spring Hill, has been informed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) of its withdrawal from the project due to fundraising issues.
“We’ve been working with the USTA for almost three years to bring the regional tennis facility to fruition,” said Glenn McGehee, president of SouthStar. “Unfortunately, it’s a tough fundraising environment out there right now and the organization was unable to secure the funds necessary to move forward with the project. We are all disappointed as this project would have been a great addition to Legacy Pointe and the Spring Hill community.”
In a letter to Spring Hill mayor Jim Hagaman, USTA Tennessee executive director Michael Chamberlain wrote, “After two and a half years of dedicated effort, extensive planning, and collaboration, USTA Tennessee has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Spring Hill tennis complex project at Legacy Pointe. This decision follows countless hours of meetings, reports, analysis, and travel, as well as an exhaustive exploration of all possible avenues to bring a state-of-the-art tennis center to the heart of Spring Hill.”
In 2022, SouthStar, at the city’s request, agreed to provide the opportunity for a USTA tennis facility in its proposed development in Spring Hill. As part of this opportunity, SouthStar agreed to provide a location in the Legacy Pointe development to construct a USTA tennis facility. This would allow USTA to bring local, regional and national tournaments to the area, significantly impacting the development and community. In return, and in order to construct and support operations for the project, USTA had to raise several million dollars.
“While this outcome is not what we had envisioned, we want to express our sincere gratitude to SouthStar and the city of Spring Hill for their support and partnership throughout the process,” said Carol Wrinn, USTA Tennessee President. “USTA remains committed to promoting and developing the game of tennis, and we look forward to finding new ways to work together in the future.”
Chamberlain’s letter praised the city’s leadership and enthusiasm, and did not rule out a future project in the city.
“The enthusiasm from your administration and the community reinforced our belief that Spring Hill would be an ideal location for expanded tennis facilities,” he wrote. “While we are disappointed that we cannot bring this particular tennis complex to fruition, USTA Tennessee remains committed to promoting and developing the game of tennis throughout Tennessee. Should alternative funding models, public-private partnerships, or phased development approaches emerge that might make a tennis facility viable in Spring Hill, we would enthusiastically welcome those conversations.”
With the withdrawal of the USTA from the project, SouthStar is exploring replacement options that would be beneficial to the community.
“We have already had positive conversations with several entities that are very interested in having a presence in Spring Hill,” McGehee said. “Our main priority is identifying potential partners and tenants that would bring unique value, services and amenities for the entire community. From family recreational opportunities to major retailers and restaurants, we have some great options we hope to announce soon.”
SouthStar broke ground on the 213-acre mixed use development in Maury County in May 2024. The development will feature residential, commercial, office, green space and community amenities, and also includes a critical four-lane road connecting Crossings Boulevard to Kedron Road that is scheduled for completion in 2025.
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