Article by Hanna Snyder Gambini
Published by Hartford Business Journal
Harrison Blume, founder of Pickleville CT, will present final plans to the board at its next regular meeting Jan. 17 for the 8,100-square-foot building at 1 Valley St., which is currently a parking lot at the intersection of Blake Street and Whalley Avenue in the Westville section of New Haven.
Pickleville CT, which is a “multimillion-dollar investment,” Blume said, would have three indoor courts, a coffee/smoothie bar and lounge/office area. Pickleball is a mix of tennis and pingpong, and has gained immense popularity in recent years as a fun and casual sport suitable for most ages and abilities. The city has outdoor pickleball courts, including some at nearby Edgewood Park, but are only ideal for summer and warm-weather use.
The Pickleville CT site would sit across from the former 500 Blake Street banquet facility. That site is under development for 130 new apartments.
Blume said he hopes to attract at least 100 players a day from the city universities, the new apartments, Westville neighbors and surrounding town residents.
He said it will be the first urban, custom-built pickleball facility, with bike racks and easy access for walkers or public commuters.
Steel framing for the building is already being manufactured, Blume said, and he hopes to open this spring. Blume purchased the lot in April 2022 for just under $375,000.
More information is available at picklevillect.com
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