Injured athletes often face considerable uncertainty, but Carolina Sports Medicine Center clarifies the road to recovery with holistic sports medicine, offering advanced treatment, rehabilitation, and elite sports training into one state-of-the-art facility. Learn how our civil engineers helped bring this first-of-its-kind healthcare campus to life.
Professional-level care for all
The idea for North Carolina’s premier sports medicine facility was first born in Michigan. After visiting the Detroit Pistons training center, our client envisioned a world-class sports center catering to athletes at all levels throughout their careers. Most players have to go pro before receiving top-of-the-line care, but bringing advanced rehabilitation services to younger athletes would help the next generation of sports superstars stay healthy and achieve their goals.
The future sports facility found its ideal location at Rea Farms: an expansive, mixed-use development in Charlotte. The luxurious live-work-play community offers dining, shopping, and other amenities all within walking distance, perfectly aligning with the sports facility’s all-in-one mission.
Not your typical medical building
Our team led civil engineering and landscape architecture for this first-of-its-kind healthcare project. The initial challenge was figuring out how to create 71,000-sq ft of sports performance space within a confined parcel of land. The five-acre parcel was enclosed by four public roads and also needed to accommodate two additionally planned medical buildings. Our engineers worked through several design iterations to not only make everything fit but also elevate the patient experience.
Because the Carolina Sports Medicine Center is not just a place to go in crisis but also for ongoing training and play. Our team worked closely with the architects to avoid the typical healthcare aesthetic and create a modern, welcoming feel. Floor-to-ceiling glass bathes the basketball courts in natural light, while lush planters line the walkways with colorful vegetation.
The facility includes state-of-the-art offices for experts in neurosurgery, sports performance, regenerative therapies, and more, providing advanced diagnostics and science-backed programs to help athletes come back even stronger. In addition, two regulation-size basketball courts host an elite training program led by former NBA player Tamar Slay, offering an inspiring path to getting back on the court.
Staying ahead of technology
The Carolina Sports Medicine Center opened in February 2026 and was the first of three phased projects. The second building, currently under construction, will be a 30,000-sq ft. surgery center with additional office space. Our team is currently designing the third with plans to incorporate a unique mobile MRI solution that will keep the facility at the forefront of innovation.
Introducing formerly inaccessible care to the Carolinas means a lot for local athletes, but also to our team as well.
“I’ve always been drawn to healthcare, but after going through a serious health scare myself, it means even more to me now. When your days are spent with doctors’ visits and treatment, it gives you a different perspective. The environment you’re in really matters. I gravitate towards creating these spaces because they serve a bigger purpose.”
David Klausman, P.E., Senior Project Engineer
Work with our healthcare experts
We address the specialized nature of healthcare development through comprehensive services that support you at every phase. Connect with our team to learn more.
