A high-end sports club backed by Andre Agassi and other big names in the sports and business world will take over the former Macy’s in Downtown Los Angeles.
The concept, called Ballers, is absorbing more than 100,000 square feet previously occupied by the department store retailer at the Bloc open-air shopping center. It’ll fill the space with 18 pickleball courts, five Golfzon indoor golf simulators and two soccer fields. Outside of that, there will be two bars, a lounge and store.
The location is expected to open in the second quarter of next year.
Members to Ballers pay $99 to $499 in monthly dues, which gives them access to private events and more generous booking windows.
Ballers, founded by former Equinox executives Amanda Potter and David Gutstadt, has made a name for itself with a list of high-profile investors that include Agassi, Kim Clijsters and Sloane Stephens from the tennis world. There’s also pickleball player Connor Garnett, MLS player Maarten Paes and Philadelphia 76ers owner David Blitzer.
The company, which says it’s “bringing country club sports to the city,” debuted with a location on Beach Street in Philadelphia earlier this summer. Aside from L.A., there’s also a Boston location in the works.
Dead Department Store Space
For Downtown L.A., Ballers’ coming arrival puts an end to the question of what happens with the former Macy’s space as retail continues to struggle in the submarket amid a broader department store contraction.
Retail vacancy downtown rose to 9.5 percent in the first quarter, compared to 7 percent in the year-ago period, according to the DTLA Alliance.
Ballers could inject much needed energy into what was formerly an indoor mall turned open-air lifestyle center in the Bloc, which was redeveloped in 2016.
The lifestyle aspect of the center stumbled in its attempt to take shape.
Tenants include a mix of uses.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Uniqlo and the Sheraton Grand serve as anchors.
There’s also a Starbucks, Marugame Udon, Hatch and Joey DTLA. Drybar, LA Fitness and USPS also make up the tenant mix.
Time will tell what impact Ballers has on the Bloc and direct competitors such as the Los Angeles Athletic Club on 7th Street and Athletic Club on Alameda Street at the former American Apparel headquarters.
A much bigger boost to the center could be on the horizon if National Real Estate Advisors has its way. The developer has proposed a 41-story residential tower to sit on top of the Bloc’s 12-story parking garage. If approved and constructed, the project could bring as many as 466 apartments to downtown and built-in foot traffic for the Bloc shopping center, Ballers and surrounding businesses.
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