Urban Pickleball

The Challenge

Originally permitted and constructed as a ballroom, this space sat in a building that was originally slated to be occupied by a luxury hotel. When the idea for a hotel was scrapped during the COVID-19 pandemic, upper floors in the building pivoted to office space. This ballroom space, however, was left as a shell, uncompleted and unused. Given the space’s location right off of the main building lobby, the owner wanted a program that would draw in office and residential tenants and desired something that activated the space and utilized its high ceilings, daylight and exterior views.

The Design Solution

Invented on nearby Bainbridge Island in 1965 and designated the official state sport of Washington in 2022, pickleball has exploded in popularity across the city of Seattle, as well as the country.

Urban Pickleball, downtown Seattle’s premier indoor pickleball facility, is now located in the iconic Rainier Square block. The facility offers two premium tournament-size courts, a dink court and a lobby with virtual check-in, all in a buzzing urban setting.

In addition to designing the interiors, HKS also crafted Urban Pickleball’s brand identity that is used in graphics, signage, digital interfaces and merchandise, with the HKS brand experience team creating a Brand Lookbook for the client’s future use in developing collateral.

The interior design of the 5,525-square-foot space captures the vibe of the urban location, combining natural materials with a clean, fresh aesthetic that complements the existing complex’s common spaces. Guests are greeted on arrival with a comfortable lobby featuring inviting seating, fully stocked beverage refrigerators and large monitors that live-stream pickleball events around the world. Custom millwork and lighting evoke the brand’s identity, while offering views into the well-lit court action beyond.

The Design Impact

The previously unfinished column-free shell space was originally permitted as a ballroom for a luxury hotel. When the hotel operator withdrew from the project, the building owner was left with a large, prominent, street-facing space in the urban core. The new pickleball facility activates the space, taking advantage of the natural daylight and cityscape outside, while also providing an active, health-focused recreation space for office and residential tenants.