Pickleball Dreams Realized in Vestavia Hills: The Vestavia Hills City Council took a significant step forward on Monday by unanimously approving a public-private partnership that will bring Alabama’s first indoor pickleball complex, known as Picklr, to completion. This development promises to reshape the community’s recreational landscape, marking a noteworthy investment in the sport’s growing popularity.
Development Plans and Location
The new Picklr facility will feature 10 indoor pickleball courts, a pro shop, a restaurant, and other amenities. Located in the former Sprouts grocery store directly across from Vestavia Hills City Hall at 1031 Montgomery Highway, the 28,092-square-foot space has been a focal point for the City Council since the Sprouts closure in 2018.
Assistant City Manager Cinnamon McCulley, filling in for City Manager Jeff Downes at a conference, outlined the plan to purchase the entire shopping center from GBT Realty, with Altera AIP-Vestavia leading the initiative.
“The occupancy of this new entertainment venue will create a good bit of momentum for that area and financial strength for our city’s finances, also offering conveniences to our residents.” – (Cinnamon McCulley)
Economic Incentives
The economic development agreement includes an initial investment of $300,000 from the city to Altera-AIP, along with the re-establishment of non-educational sales and property tax rebates that had been terminated in 2018. These rebates will provide a 50% share of city tax revenues generated by the shopping center over 10 years.
McCulley emphasized the agreement’s role in sustaining the progress made in recent years along Montgomery Highway, addressing the growing demand for pickleball facilities in the area.
“We have a lot of resident demand… and this will help to satisfy a lot of that demand.” – (Cinnamon McCulley)
Challenges and Vision
Patrick Denney, a Vestavia Hills resident and real estate developer who is the principal owner of Altera-AIP Vestavia, noted the complexities surrounding the financing of the shopping center through mortgage-backed securities.
“It’s a very complicated finance. No one’s ever been able to sublease it because of the Sprouts lease.” – (Patrick Denney)
Denney also revealed that of the 10 indoor courts, eight will be championship courts equipped with bleachers for spectators, positioning the facility to host high-level pickleball events, including professional tournaments. The project, designed by Hendon & Huckestein Architects and managed by Stewart Perry Construction Co., is expected to be completed by late January or early February 2025.
Additional City Council Actions
In other developments during Monday’s meeting, the City Council accepted grants totaling $45,000 for playground and exercise equipment at Altadena Valley Park. The funding sources included $20,000 from the Jefferson County Commission, $15,000 from Innovate Alabama, and $10,000 from the state of Alabama.
The Council also approved annexation and rezoning requests for several properties and recognized October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Fire Prevention Month. The next action meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 14, at 6 p.m.
News in Brief: Pickleball Dreams Realized in Vestavia Hills
The Vestavia Hills City Council has unanimously approved the establishment of Alabama’s first indoor pickleball complex, Picklr, at the former Sprouts grocery store location. The development includes 10 indoor courts, a pro shop, and a restaurant, aiming to meet the growing demand for pickleball.
An initial $300,000 investment from the city will support the project, with tax rebates to enhance economic benefits. The complex is expected to host professional tournaments and is set for completion by early 2025. Additionally, the Council secured $45,000 in grants for park equipment and made further annexation approvals.
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