Pickleball in Historic Fort Worth: The Bicocchi Building, a cherished piece of Fort Worth history, is getting a modern facelift while retaining its historical charm. Built in 1909 by Italian immigrant Louis Bicocchi, the 11,600-square-foot building at 213 S. Jennings Avenue served as a grocery store and residential apartments in its early years. Its brick façade with cast stone trim remains a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Today, the building is being reimagined as an office space, offering tenants a blend of history and contemporary amenities. The lower level, once bustling with shoppers, is now an adaptable open space suitable for office, retail, or mixed-use purposes, said Allen Mederos, leasing agent with Northern Crain Realty.
Fort Worth’s First Office Pickleball Court
Among its standout features is what is believed to be Fort Worth’s first private pickleball court in an office setting. Tucked into unused parking space, the court shows a growing trend of integrating recreational facilities into workplace environments.
“This building is a treasure trove of Fort Worth’s history. Not only does it offer tenants a chance to be part of a historic space that has served this community for over a century, but the addition of the private pickleball court, making use of extra space in the parking lot, sets it apart in an entirely new way. It’s a truly rare find in Fort Worth.” – (Allen Mederos)
A Growing Pickleball Phenomenon
The addition aligns with the meteoric rise of pickleball in the United States. With 36.5 million players and a staggering 223% growth rate in just three years, pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports. Known for its distinctive “pop” or “tock” sound when ball meets paddle, pickleball has increasingly found its way into urban development projects.
A Trend on the Rise
While apartment complexes and residential communities have embraced pickleball courts for years, offering them as an office amenity is a newer concept. Todd Burnette, executive managing director of JLL in Fort Worth, views this as a smart integration for modern workplaces.
“This is a trend we’re starting to see out there. Pickleball has a small footprint so it can fit into developments fairly easily. It’s a great recreational element to add.” – (Todd Burnette)
The Bicocchi Building now stands as a symbol of Fort Worth’s ability to embrace modernity while honoring its past—a historical gem that pops with the energy of a thriving new era.
News in Brief: Pickleball in Historic Fort Worth
The historic Bicocchi Building in Fort Worth, originally constructed in 1909, has been revitalized as an office space featuring the city’s first private pickleball court for tenants. Built by Italian immigrant Louis Bicocchi, the building retains its original architecture while offering modern amenities. With the rapid growth of pickleball across the U.S., this innovative feature highlights a new trend of integrating recreation into office spaces.
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