BREAKING NEWS: Christian Laettner Invests \$3.6 Million to Transform Historic House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Tennessee
*By Michelle Greene, Staff Writer | May 6, 2025*
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — In a move that’s as surprising as it is heartwarming, former Duke basketball legend and NBA star Christian Laettner has announced a personal investment of \$3.6 million to transform a decaying historical mansion in East Nashville into a state-of-the-art shelter and transitional center for homeless youth.
The announcement came at a press conference on Tuesday morning, held on the property of the long-abandoned Winslow Estate, a once-majestic home that sat crumbling behind a rusted iron gate for more than two decades. With its ivy-covered brickwork and boarded-up windows, the house had long been written off as another casualty of urban decay.
But that changes now.
Flanked by local officials, community activists, and former teammates, Laettner shared his emotional reason for the project. “This isn’t just about restoring a house,” he said. “It’s about giving kids a second shot — the kind of shot I got. Growing up in a working-class family in upstate New York, I saw how quickly circumstances can shift. I had basketball. Not everyone has that outlet.”
The project, officially named *The Second Shot House*, is set to break ground on renovations later this summer, with an anticipated opening in spring 2026. Laettner’s team says the shelter will offer not only a safe place to sleep for up to 50 at-risk youth ages 14 to 21, but also wraparound services like trauma counseling, academic tutoring, job readiness programs, and mentorship from community leaders — including Laettner himself.
### “Not Just a Check”
Laettner made it clear this isn’t a hands-off philanthropic effort.
“I’m not writing a check and walking away,” he emphasized. “I’ll be in the gym with them. I’ll be at dinner. These kids need people who show up — not just during ribbon cuttings.”
That promise was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd of community members, many of whom had long lobbied for repurposing the Winslow Estate into something beneficial for the neighborhood.
Councilwoman Tamara Reece, who represents the East Nashville district, praised the move. “This is not just an investment in property — it’s an investment in lives,” she said. “Mr. Laettner is turning a forgotten building into a future.”
### From Hardwood to Heart Work
Christian Laettner, best remembered for his iconic buzzer-beater against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA tournament, went on to a 13-year NBA career. Though he never quite reached the superstardom of some of his Dream Team peers, he remained a formidable presence in the sport. After retiring, Laettner dabbled in real estate, but largely stayed out of the limelight.
Until now.
So what inspired this shift?
Laettner says it began last year after reading a local news article about a 17-year-old boy named DeShawn who had aged out of the foster care system and was sleeping under a bridge near a high school football stadium.
“That hit me hard,” Laettner said. “That kid reminded me of a teammate I had in high school who used to sleep in the locker room. You never forget people like that.”
Through quiet donations, Laettner tracked down DeShawn and helped him find temporary housing and a GED program. The two developed a bond — one that evolved into the blueprint for *The Second Shot House*.
“I realized I couldn’t save every kid,” Laettner admitted, “but I could create a place that helps them save themselves.”
### Community Reaction
The news has sent waves through both the basketball world and the local community.
Former Duke teammate Grant Hill responded on social media, writing, “Proud of my brother. This is the kind of assist that really matters.”
The NBA issued a statement praising Laettner’s “tireless commitment to youth empowerment.”
Closer to home, locals are already calling the estate “Laettner House” in a mix of reverence and hometown pride.
“I used to walk past that place and just feel sad,” said Jolene Maxwell, who runs a coffee shop around the corner. “Now I see hope. Real hope.”
### What’s Next?
Construction is expected to begin in late June, with architecture firm Bennington & Clark overseeing the renovation. They plan to preserve the home’s historical elements — including stained glass windows and a 1903 grand staircase — while outfitting the interior with modern dormitories, a commercial kitchen, a media center, and a full-sized indoor basketball court.
“You can’t take the basketball out of Christian,” joked architect Miles Bennington. “But in this case, it’s the perfect metaphor. These kids are going to learn about discipline, teamwork, resilience — all through play and mentorship.”
Laettner has already committed to funding at least five full-time positions at the center, including a licensed therapist and a college readiness advisor. He also says he’s in early talks with local universities to create scholarship pipelines for residents.
When asked how long he plans to stay involved, Laettner didn’t hesitate.
“Forever,” he said. “This is legacy work. Titles fade. Banners age. But if one of these kids grows up to pay it forward — that’s eternal.”
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As renovations begin, the once-forgotten Winslow Estate is poised to become a beacon of hope for hundreds of vulnerable youth. And for Christian Laettner, a man who once owned the most famous jump shot in college basketball history, this may just be his most meaningful shot yet.