The Story

In the heart of Charlotte’s LOSO neighborhood, Rally Pickleball emerges as a dynamic fusion of sport, dining, and community gathering. Our team at DPR Design took on the challenge of transforming two existing structures into a vibrant pickleball destination that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor experiences.

The project’s primary goal was to create a cohesive, multifunctional space that caters to both serious athletes and casual visitors. We faced the unique challenge of unifying disparate elements, including varying grades between buildings and the street, into a harmonious whole.

Our design approach was both aspirational and pragmatic. We conceived a series of custom planters, benches, and seating elements that not only resolved technical challenges but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the space. These features serve multiple purposes: addressing topographical issues, creating inviting areas for relaxation and socialization, and contributing to the overall visual cohesion of the complex.

The centerpiece of our design is a quartet of outdoor pickleball courts, surrounded by player lounges and various activity spaces. We carefully crafted these areas to foster community and encourage active lifestyles. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces was critical, ensuring a smooth transition between the repurposed buildings and new outdoor amenities.

While working within budget constraints, we applied traditional construction methods in innovative ways, resulting in solutions that are both beautiful and functional. One of our most significant challenges was balancing stringent code requirements with the project’s ambitious goals. Through meticulous planning and creative problem-solving, we seamlessly integrated code-compliant elements in a way that enhances the user experience.

The final result is a multidimensional facility that goes beyond the conventional notion of a sports complex. By incorporating a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant services alongside the pickleball courts, we’ve created a destination that caters to a wide range of interests and activities.

Our team paid careful attention to circulation patterns, ensuring easy movement between different areas of the complex. We also incorporated native plantings that require minimal maintenance and irrigation, enhancing the site’s sustainability and ecological value.

The Rally Pickleball project exemplifies the potential of thoughtful design to transform underutilized urban spaces into vibrant community assets. By repurposing existing structures and skillfully integrating them with new outdoor amenities, we’ve created a versatile venue for social interaction, dining, and recreation that serves as a true local landmark in Charlotte’s LOSO neighborhood.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​