Nike Honors Serena Williams With Building Named After The Tennis Icon

Nike honored Serena Williams with a building named after the tennis icon at their Beaverton, Oregon headquarters this week. 

According to the multinational footwear and apparel brand, the LEED-platinum certified building is the company’s most significant contribution to design and creativity. The SW building is the largest designed by the brand at 1 million square feet, an equivalent to 140 full-sized tennis courts.

“The whole building takes your breath away. Every element, everywhere you go, is an opportunity to be inspired. I hope this building encourages people to bring out the best of themselves and to dream bigger than they thought possible,” said Williams. 

The building features “140,000 square feet of showrooms and workspace; a footwear materials library; a color lab; and the two-story, 140-seat Olympia Theater, named after Williams’ daughter,” the website stated. 

“Architecture has long been a creative catalyst for Nike. A manifestation of form and function following footprint, this building embodies Serena’s legacy as a force for positive change. It is the art to the 

LeBron James Innovation Center’s science, allowing us to know and serve athletes like never before,” said John Hoke, Chief Design Officer.

On Wednesday, Williams, 40, took to her Instagram account and shared a post reflecting on her childhood and dreaming of having a building named after her one day. 

“There is something to be said about setting goals,” she wrote and the beginning of her caption. 

She continued, “When I was just a kid, I visited the @nike campus, and I saw that athletes get buildings! After that visit, I knew I wanted two things; to be a Nike athlete and to have a building. I set my goals high. I knew I would have to be elite, and not only the best, but someone that changes the course of sport. And now, here we are – officially unveiling the Serena building at the Nike campus. Blood sweat and many tears, many trophies – it is beyond an honor and giving me chill bumps. I am so grateful to Nike and the Nike team. Can you believe it? I have a BUILDING Y’ALL!!! This is CRAZY!!!”

Congratulations, queen!