Boston looks set to get two new brand-spanking new pickleball venues in the new year.
Pickleball’s Impact On Boston Real Estate
First off, Boston Pickle Club is set to establish its inaugural location in early 2024, having secured a 20,000-square-foot area encompassing seven courts at 91 Sprague Street in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The premises are owned by Griffith Properties.
The surge in the sport’s popularity has sparked noticeable impacts in real estate leasing trends. This is exemplified by recent developments such as fitness club operator D.J. Bosse’s establishment of a four-court facility in Hyde Park, along with plans for a sizable 21-court venue at the former Neiman Marcus store within the Natick Mall.
Notable instances also include PKL restaurant in South Boston and Somerville’s The Park at Assembly Row by Volo.
Boston Pickle Club
Founded by Johan du Randt and Stephen Mitchell, distinguished figures in the realm of platform tennis – a game akin to pickleball – and tech entrepreneur Steve Hauck, all residing in the Boston vicinity, Boston Pickle Club is poised to make its Beantown debut.
Hauck emphasized the club’s objective to address the demand for premium indoor pickleball courts:
“Boston Pickle Club’s approach will meet the quantified public and private demand to play pickleball on the highest-quality indoor courts,” Hauck said in a statement. “Our model is membership-driven, targeting the very inclusive sport of pickleball and offering the communal feeling of being a part of a club.”
The forthcoming venue will feature a comprehensive array of offerings, ranging from membership-based programs to court rentals, clinics, and private lessons.
Facilitating this notable transaction were Newmark’s J.R. McDonald and Eric Jeremiah, representing Griffith, while Newmark’s Joe Pearce advocated for Boston Pickle Club throughout the lease transaction.
Bosse Sport
As mentioned above, Bulfinch has finalized the lease agreement for 310 Speen Street, the former Neiman Marcus site. The premises are now designated for Bosse Sports’ pioneering venture, “The first dedicated pickleball club in Massachusetts.”
D.J. Bosse, renowned for his presence in the state’s sporting landscape, is the visionary behind Bosse Sports. His track record includes the design and establishment of the Bosse Sports and Health Club in Sudbury (a few miles west of Boston) and the operation of a Boston-based facility featuring seven pickleball courts, a skills arena, a turf field, and a basketball court.
The upcoming pickleball hub in Natick will bear the Bosse Pickle moniker. Bosse spoke passionately about the sport:
“We firmly believe in the transformative power of pickleball, which unites people, promotes physical fitness, enhances mental well-being, and fosters social connections,” Bosse said.
“Whether you are a curious beginner seeking to experience this thrilling sport or aspiring to elevate your skills, Bosse Sports offers a warm and inviting space where you can embark on your pickleball journey.”
The buildout will encompass 21 state-of-the-art pickleball courts, a dedicated training center, a lounge, event spaces, a full-service restaurant, two bars, comprehensive locker rooms, and provisions for physical therapy and personal training.
Bosse is anticipating a launch in the summer or fall of next year.
