Revitalization Project Set to Breathe New Life into Vacant Cinema with State-of-the-Art Pickleball Courts and Wellness Amenities
Introduction:
A new chapter is about to begin for Rohnert Park's old movie theater. Once a hub for cinema lovers, the 74,000-square-foot building is set to undergo a major transformation into a cutting-edge pickleball and health club facility, becoming the largest of its kind in the North Bay. The space, which has been largely vacant since the abrupt closure of Reading Cinemas last November, will soon offer 17 indoor and 16 outdoor pickleball courts, along with a host of health and wellness amenities. This ambitious project, led by a trio of local developers, promises to revitalize the area and provide a dynamic, family-friendly environment for the community.
Rohnert Park, CA - A former movie theater, once a bustling entertainment hub, is about to experience a dramatic transformation. The 74,000-square-foot building, which has remained largely vacant since Reading Cinemas abruptly closed its doors last November, is set to become the largest pickleball and health club facility in the North Bay. This exciting development marks a new chapter for the space, promising to bring vitality and a renewed sense of community to the area.
The ambitious project, spearheaded by local developers Richard Coombs, Bill Carson, and Jack Weaver, was granted approval for an Administrative Use Permit in June and has since cleared a significant hurdle with the Rohnert Park Planning Commission. On Thursday night, the commission gave the green light for additional outdoor courts, paving the way for the facility's full-scale conversion.
The developers envision the space as a state-of-the-art pickleball arena, featuring 17 indoor courts and 16 outdoor courts, all within a membership-based health club. The building's interior, which once housed 16 screens and approximately 3,000 theater seats, will be repurposed to include not only pickleball courts but also spaces for pingpong and cornhole. The second floor, previously used for movie projectors, will be transformed into a viewing lounge where guests can relax and watch matches.
In addition to the focus on pickleball, the facility will boast a 2,000-square-foot gym and health club equipped with modern amenities. These will include saunas, locker rooms, cold-plunge baths, and red-light therapy spaces, offering a comprehensive wellness experience for members. Outside, a shaded structure with seating will provide a comfortable area for members to rest, watch matches, or wait for a court to become available.
Richard Coombs, one of the project’s key developers, expressed his excitement about the new facility. "It’s wonderfully located to serve the entire county, and we’re excited to build a facility that will hopefully be an amazing pickleball experience for people of all ages," he said.
The building, located at 555 Rohnert Park Expressway, sits on a 12.08-acre lot with 758 parking spaces. Despite the extensive interior renovations, the exterior of the building will largely remain unchanged, preserving its familiar presence in the community. The addition of outdoor courts, however, will see 138 parking spaces converted into enclosed pickleball areas, accessible only by key fob.
Noise concerns for the outdoor courts were addressed during the planning process, with the facility’s location in a commercial district playing a key role in the approval. A noise study will also be conducted to ensure minimal disruption to surrounding businesses and residents.
The project is more than just a real estate development; it represents a broader trend in the commercial real estate industry, where empty big-box retail stores and vacant anchor stores in shopping malls are being repurposed for health and wellness uses. According to an economic analysis by the City of Rohnert Park, health and wellness-focused businesses are seen as crucial to revitalizing retail centers, making this project a significant economic development opportunity for the city.
Mary Grace Pawson, Rohnert Park's planning manager, highlighted the community's anticipation for the project. "There’s definitely been some concern in the community about the large vacant building, and we feel like this is a really exciting and healthy way to revitalize the center," she said.
The rise of pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis and pingpong, has been a key driver behind this development. Once primarily popular among retirees, pickleball has seen a surge in popularity across all age groups, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Association of Pickleball Players, over 48 million American adults played pickleball in the past year, with the sport’s popularity continuing to grow.
However, not everyone is fully convinced of pickleball's staying power. During the planning commission meeting, Vice Chairperson Chuck Striplen raised concerns about the long-term viability of the facility. “It’s a pretty significant change for this community,” he remarked, questioning what might happen "when the fad is over, when people move on from pickleball to something else."
Despite these concerns, the developers remain optimistic about the project’s success. Weaver, one of the partners, assured the planning commission that the facility would offer a family-friendly environment, replacing what was previously an entertainment space with a focus on health and wellness.
With the necessary approvals in place, preparations for the conversion are set to begin. While an exact timeline for the project’s completion remains uncertain, Weaver estimates that it will take a few months before demolition of the theater's interior and construction of the new facility can officially commence.
As the project moves forward, the community of Rohnert Park can look forward to the introduction of North Bay's largest pickleball and health club facility. This development promises to bring new life to a once-vacant space, offering residents a dynamic, inclusive environment that caters to the growing demand for health and wellness amenities.
