New pickleball facility coming to downtown Kingsport

KINGSPORT — A new pickleball-centered project is in the works for the old JCPenney building downtown, developers announced. The South Carolina based development group Monolith Malls shared details with city leaders and stakeholders at a reception event inside MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center on Tuesday. Located at 301 Broad St., the facility is expected to include six to eight standard pickleball courts and a fitness area, with potential apartments or retail space as well. Ronald Urrutia, Monolith Malls vice president of operations, said he was attracted to the area after Kingsport while serving in the U.S. Navy. "Because of my history with Kingsport, I locked in on the JCPenney building right away, and Judith was good with that," Urrutia said. "That's how we decided that we were going to make this our flagship effort for the pickleball court." Judith McCarty, Monolith Malls president, said the company is thrilled to be bringing the project to Kingsport and are working with local architect Kattie Casebolt on the design. Casebolt said she loves being a part of the revitalization of downtown. She is also working on the Hicks Block Building on the corner of Market and Broad streets. "It's just an honor, really, to be involved to the level that I am with all of these projects that are happening, because each one gives us just that little bit further progress that we all want to see," she said. Urrutia said Monolith Malls is one of 25 start-up companies who are part of the Viska Consortium, which focuses on family values. He explained the project is a "vision in progress," meaning parts of it are subject to change as construction begins. Project layout Urrutia said the bottom floor is planned to be a recreation or fitness center area equipped with showers and lockers. The first floor will feature the reception area with two indoor pickleball courts. The gallery part of the building would stay as viewing space for spectators. He said the third floor could be for retail development or condos, but could possibly be more pickleball courts depending on the building's determined layout. "The roof is going to be the primary pickleball courts," Urrutia said. "We're going to build four courts, and we're going to enclose them. So you can take an opportunity to play pickleball in an enclosed environment, but at the same time, take an opportunity to look at the mountains around you and the scenery that's available." No specific construction timeline was given, but Urrutia said he could see the project being completed within the first year of construction. "I want the people to know that we're very grateful for how we've been accepted already, and we want to make this a stake in the ground that the community can be proud of," he said. "We really want it to be a community environment. We're gonna spend every dime we can in the community, and we're looking forward to doing that." Officials comment Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt thanked the developers for their investment in downtown and called the future facility an exciting project. "I know our economic development office will be happy to continue having conversations with you all," McCartt said. "We just look forward to seeing the revitalization of that property and what you're going to bring — which is going to bring what we desire, what every downtown desires — and that's feet on the street." Anna Walters, USA Pickleball regional ambassador, said this project will help fulfill the need for indoor and covered pickleball courts. "Every investment in a pickleball court is an investment in health, so from a health perspective, it's just awesome," she said. "The great thing about pickleball is young people play it, older people play it. It's just a great way for people to get off the couch and do something active." Healthy Kingsport Director Desteny Clemons echoed a similar sentiment and said she is hopeful about the positive impact the project will have. "Having another place where our community can stay active through the winter months and rainy seasons is invaluable," Clemons said. "These courts will ensure that movement, connection and well-being remain accessible year-round."