Luis Perez, owner of Hero Flooring LLC, recently took on a project that perfectly encapsulates his passion for creating vibrant, meaningful spaces through flooring. The Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis – a beloved community hub – had a gym floor in dire need of refurbishment. When the 2K Foundation and NBA star Jayson Tatum stepped up to sponsor the renovation, Perez found himself at the helm of a project that would have a lasting impact on the local youth.
The Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club has a rich history. Founded in 1959, it has provided the St. Louis community with sports programs and other resources for decades. Tom Sullivan, the club’s director, has been with the organization for more than 50 years and remembers when the gym floor was little more than tile. “It started out as a community room,” Sullivan recalls. “Later, we managed to raise enough money to put down some wood flooring, but it had been there for a very long time without ever being sanded.”
Jayson Tatum, the five-time NBA All-Star who grew up playing at Mathews-Dickey, felt a strong connection to the gym that had given him so much during his formative years. Partnering with the 2K Foundation, Tatum funded a complete overhaul of the gym, including fresh paint, a new scoreboard, and, most importantly, a fully-refinished gym floor. As a final touch, Tatum wanted to leave a lasting mark on the floor – a design that would represent his journey and inspire future generations of athletes.
“I didn’t understand how much history was in this gym until I got there,” Perez admits. “It has been around for a long time, and there’s such a rich legacy in this building. To be a part of it, to be a part of what it represents, is a real honor.”
The gym floor presented unique challenges. The original wood floor, which had been installed over a tile base many years ago, had never been properly sanded or maintained. “We came in, and the first thing we did was sand the floor down to the raw wood,” Perez explains. “We then applied a water-based product, and once we had the floor ready, they gave us the design to bring to life.”
The design was special, incorporating colors that held significance for the community and Tatum himself. The vibrant green represented the Boston Celtics, the red symbolized Tatum’s high school colors, and the blue paid tribute to the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club. The bold colors were not just a design choice – they carried with them the history and pride of the community. “It was incredible to be able to create something with such meaning,” Perez reflects. “The colors represent where Jayson comes from and where he has been, and now the kids will play on that floor and see themselves in him.”
As the final touches were made, Perez could only imagine the children’s reactions when they saw the floor for the first time. “The way the floor looks now, with all the color and freshness, it’s even better than getting paid for the job,” Perez says with a smile. “That’s what we do it for.”
For Perez, who has worked on everything from residential floors to major athletic projects, the opportunity to leave a mark on this historic gym was particularly rewarding. “What I love about the wood flooring industry is the variety,” Perez explains. “One week, I’m working on a family’s living room, and the next, I’m in St. Louis, renovating a court for the Boys & Girls Club. It’s not just about making money – although it’s a well-paying trade – it’s also about the fulfillment that comes from projects like this.”
Perez attributes much of his success to the innovations within the flooring industry, which have made projects like this possible. “There are so many cool tools and products out there now,” he says. “We were able to do something special here, and that’s a thrill.”
Sullivan, for his part, is grateful to see the gym returned to its former glory, especially in a way that will inspire future athletes. “Children may not always tell you, but they want the best,” Sullivan says. “And this floor is the best. It represents a young man, Jayson Tatum, who came from this very organization and is now one of the greatest players in the world. They like to play in cool, safe places, and now they have that.”
Perez’s attention to detail and commitment to quality have left a lasting legacy at the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club. The newly refinished court is more than just a basketball floor; it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity.
“The newly renovated court, with its bold colors and intricate design, stands as a testament to the power of community,” Perez says. “It’s more than just a basketball court – it’s a place where these kids can come to play, grow, and be inspired. It’s incredible to be a part of something that will have such a lasting impact. When they walk in and see this space, it’s like showing them what’s possible, and that’s something I’m really proud of.”
