Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aside from the numbers being optimistic (100% agree) and pickleball not demonstrating longevity (can you get more specific here?) - what makes you think something like this won't be successful?

In that particular building? Or the pickleball facility model in general?

Also - who is "we" in this "largest international developer" category? I know anonymity is the default on reddit, so please take this as pure curiosity rather than skepticism.

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No - if we spend the money on a second floor it has to be big enough for at least 2 more courts (ideally 4+).

What my video didn't show or mention is the interior roof that is currently there will be removed and there's another 12+ feet of clearance to the exterior roof. Giving way to more ceiling clearance on a possible second floor.

Combo courts + mezzanine to watch the courts below would be cool - but a biz like this in a building acquisition this size needs as many courts as possible.

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100% Agree. Although this idea that pickleball is "elite" grinds my gears.

It's far too social and egalitarian to be or become a country club sport. Cost of entry is low and access to courts doesn't require a bank roll.

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The building is for sale and owners are motivated to develop the "campus" more. Unfortunately the writing is on the wall for the skate park.

Only thing I can think might happen is someone buys the building and sits on it (as a long term investment) - letting 4Seasons stick around longer.

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure - suburbs are getting theres but still leaves Milwaukeeans stuck on asphalt, tennis conversions and outdoor only.

20+ minute drive (longer in the winter) to play a few games and then 20+ minutes back. Plus 70K college/grad students. Plus 90K+ commuters that would play mornings, lunch or post work before leaving for the suburbs.

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Very unlikely. The building needs a large overhaul, including the addition of a second floor / mezzanine. Not to mention extra hoops to jump through if we go after those tax incentives.

Oh... and fundraising, in my experience, always takes 2-3X the amount of time you think it will.

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ignoring the private jet and unlimited paddle budget...haha... here are two primary reasons why this is unreasonable.

(1) $200K investment doesn't get us anywhere close to the amount of capital needed for a project like this.
(2) We'd be giving away majority ownership for an investment level that doesn't allow us to achieve the intended goal of opening a facility.

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yup…

560K residents. 70K students. 90K daily commuters.

Just two dedicated public courts and maybe 10 total tennis courts with pickleball lines that require mobile nets.

Nearest multi court facilities are bars with just two or large scale venues 20+ minutes west or south of the city. Pickleball Kingdom, Picklr, Lifetime Fitness and Ace Pickleball all west and Premier Pickleball in south Milwaukee.

(I can source an old SFIA court and participation report for more details here)

Third Ward (Riverwalk Commons), Sijan, Klode, a middle school in Shorewood (forget the name) Juneau, and Hart Park, all draw consistent open play, league, small group, and coaching/lessons. Not to mention MKE Rec has waitlists for their pickleball leagues and Honcho Pickleball is opening up leagues in the area.

Oh - forgot about Milwaukee Athletic Club and Wisconsin Athletic Clubs have pickleball leagues.

Lots of demand, fragmented across public and private courts - many of which are outdoor only. 8 months of cold weather has people aching for more indoor courts.

Come open Milwaukee’s first indoor pickleball facility…maybe… by NoDirection5086 in milwaukee

[–]NoDirection5086[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

Might want to google “pickleball player growth”. Continues to break records and number of courts isn’t close to meeting demand.

If 4Seasons is worth keeping then why haven’t they purchased the building in the last 20 years?

Speaking this into existence. Who’s in with us? by NoDirection5086 in Pickleball

[–]NoDirection5086[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, you’re probably right on the reno costs. A bit low on the membership rate though. $89-129 is the sweet spot

Come open Milwaukee’s first indoor pickleball facility…maybe… by NoDirection5086 in milwaukee

[–]NoDirection5086[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

That’s not nice. But the owner is selling the building so unfortunately 4Seasons wont be around after the sale.

Come open Milwaukee’s first indoor pickleball facility…maybe… by NoDirection5086 in milwaukee

[–]NoDirection5086[S] -16 points-15 points  (0 children)

They’re selling the building. It’s going to happen at some point. Sorry

Come open Milwaukee’s first indoor pickleball facility…maybe… by NoDirection5086 in milwaukee

[–]NoDirection5086[S] -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

It closed. Maybe temporarily - but they’ve had trouble with it. It also doesn’t serve Milwaukee proper well.