From hoops to hope: St. Cecilia’s Gym to be transformed into youth hub in Detroit
The effort is backed by a major donation from Detroit native and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
Khalil Maycock, Local 4 News reporter, Detroit
Published: July 20, 2026 at 10:16 PM
DETROIT – A legendary Detroit basketball landmark is getting a new purpose and a $20 million investment
St. Cecilia’s Gym and school, long known as a basketball mecca, will be transformed into Say Detroit’s second play center, doubling the number of children the nonprofit serves
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Organizers said the project will turn the historic building into a community asset once again, offering children and families a place for academics, enrichment and support
A faded sign reading “St. Cecilia’s Gym, sports capital of Detroit” still hangs over the entrance gym, a reminder of the building’s storied past. Inside, the aging hoops hint at better days
“It was one of those things where you dream about it,” said Isaiah McKinnon, former Detroit police chief, who first played basketball at St. Cecilia’s in his 20s. Now 83, he remembers the gym as a magnet for elite talent in the years following the 1967 rebellion
McKinnon said stars such as Magic Johnson and Dave Bing came to St. Cecilia’s to sharpen their skills
He also mentioned he played on a summer league once with Bing
“Dave threw me a pass and I blew the shot, and Dave till this day says you’ll never get another pass from me,” McKinnon joked
Now, the court where pros once played will serve a new generation
“We hope to make it hopeful ground and helpful ground and a place of dreams,” said Mitch Albom, founder of Say Detroit, which works to provide pathways to success for children and families
The new play center will focus on academics, community and culture, offering programs designed to support young people beyond the classroom
“This building is not just about new things; it’s about creating a new village that supports you in everything you do,” said Karina, a participant in Say Detroit’s programs
The effort is backed by a major donation from Detroit native and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
“The thing we care about the most is giving every kid in the U.S. the kind of opportunity that we have,” Ballmer said
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield praised the redevelopment and the continuation of St. Cecilia’s legacy, this time centered on education and youth development
“Today we begin to write the next chapter of that legacy,” Sheffield said
Albom mentioned they have raised half of the $20 million dollars
The renovation of the gym and the 25-room school is expected to be completed in 2028
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