The $36 Million 'Third Place': 7 Surprising Facts About The Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center
The Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center is not just a state-of-the-art basketball facility; it is a monumental, $36 million investment in the future of North Philadelphia’s youth, officially opening a new era of community development and empowerment. As of December 23, 2025, this 100,000-square-foot complex, a project of the Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) nonprofit organization, stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, designed to be a "third place"—a safe, consistent environment outside of home and school where young people can thrive.
Located strategically in the Nicetown neighborhood, the Center leverages the iconic game of basketball to deliver a holistic curriculum focused on academic enrichment, mentorship, and crucial life skill development. This unique model has captured national attention, redefining how urban youth development centers operate and cementing its status as a world-class facility with a profound social mission.
Biography of Alan Horwitz and Kenny Holdsman: The Visionaries Behind PYB
The realization of the "Sixth Man" Center is a testament to the dedication of two key figures: the visionary philanthropist whose name the facility bears, and the relentless leader who co-founded the organization that runs it.
Alan Horwitz: The Philanthropic Sixth Man
- Born: January 16, 1944.
- Role: Lead Donor and Naming Benefactor of the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center.
- Career: American businessman, real estate developer, and founder/chairman of Campus Apartments, a prominent student housing company headquartered in Philadelphia.
- Philanthropy: A well-known "mega-fan" of the Philadelphia 76ers, his passion for basketball fueled his generous contribution to this youth facility. He is also a significant donor to other major Philadelphia institutions, including the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza.
- The "Sixth Man" Name: The name is a direct nod to the concept of the "Sixth Man" in basketball—the player who comes off the bench to provide an immediate, game-changing impact, symbolizing the Center’s role in the community.
Kenny Holdsman: Co-Founder and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB)
- Role: Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB).
- Founding Year: Co-founded PYB in 2015 with a vision to use basketball as a vehicle for youth empowerment.
- Dedication: Holdsman is known for his intense dedication, often devoting 75 hours a week to creating opportunities for young people, particularly those from under-resourced families and communities.
- Vision: He spearheaded the decade-long effort to secure funding and build the massive $36 million Center, transforming the organization's mission into a physical, world-class hub for community development.
More Than a Gym: Exploring the World-Class Features of the Sixth Man Center
The Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center, which opened its doors to the community, is far more than a recreational facility; it is an architectural and functional marvel designed specifically to foster holistic growth. The strategic location at 4250 Wissahickon Avenue in Nicetown was chosen to place this resource directly in a neighborhood with historically limited access to high-quality youth programming.
The sheer scale of the building is impressive. At 100,000 square feet, the Center was a $36 million project that involved some of the industry’s best designers, including Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA). The design itself is a recognized achievement, winning the 2024 ASBA Indoor Sports Surfaces Multi-Purpose Gymnasium Facility of the Year award, highlighting its superior quality and innovative layout.
The core of the facility is its basketball infrastructure, which is unmatched in the region for a youth-focused center. It features a total of seven basketball courts—six main courts and an additional auxiliary court—allowing for simultaneous programming for hundreds of children across different age groups and skill levels. This capacity ensures that the Center can serve as a consistent and reliable "safe haven" for the city's youth.
Beyond the courts, the Center is meticulously designed to support its non-athletic mission. It includes dedicated spaces for academic programming, state-of-the-art classrooms, mentorship hubs, and community gathering areas. The deliberate integration of these spaces ensures that every visit, whether for a game or a practice, is also an opportunity for educational and personal growth.
The PYB Playbook: Life-Changing Programs and Community Impact
The true power of the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center lies in the comprehensive and integrated programming delivered by Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB). PYB's model is built on the philosophy that basketball is the "hook" that draws young people in, while the curriculum and mentorship are the "substance" that provides life-changing opportunities.
The nonprofit's programs are structured around a "Kinder to Career" pipeline, ensuring long-term engagement and development for participants from their earliest years through high school and beyond. These programs are categorized into several critical areas, all operating out of the new Center:
- Academic Enrichment: This includes tutoring, homework help, and literacy programs designed to improve educational outcomes and instill a love for lifelong learning. PYB uses the structure of a basketball team to teach discipline, teamwork, and accountability, which directly translates to success in the classroom.
- Mentorship and Life Skills: The curriculum focuses heavily on character-building, leadership development, and teaching essential life lessons. Coaches and staff serve as consistent, positive role models, helping youth navigate challenges and build strong ethical foundations.
- Workforce Development: Recognizing the need for economic empowerment, the Center offers programs focused on career readiness, financial education, and job training, preparing older youth for successful entry into the professional world.
- Health and Wellness Programs: In a crucial partnership with organizations like the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), the Center provides access to vital resources. These services include mental health resources and general health and wellness education, addressing the holistic well-being of the participants.
The impact of this integrated approach is already being felt across the community. The Center serves as a critical resource, hosting events like the Middle School Gold Division tournament, which fosters healthy competition and positive youth engagement. Furthermore, its role as a community hub extends to addressing basic needs, as evidenced by recent events like the Thanksgiving meal giveaway, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond the court.
By providing a safe, consistent, and well-resourced environment in the heart of Nicetown, the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center is fulfilling its promise to create a powerful engine for social change. It stands as a powerful example of how a strategic investment in a world-class physical space, combined with a robust, mission-driven curriculum, can truly transform the trajectory of thousands of young lives in Philadelphia.
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