Former Chuck E. Cheese in Portland set to become a pickleball venue after a Southeast Portland building that sat vacant for six years is being redeveloped into an indoor sports facility called Rose City Pickleball, marking a major reuse of the long-closed entertainment space near Southeast 92nd Avenue and Powell Boulevard.
The redevelopment plan transforms the former family entertainment restaurant and arcade into a multi-court pickleball center, introducing a new recreational use to a site that has remained unused since the Chuck E. Cheese location shut down in October 2020. The project introduces five indoor pickleball courts, a pro shop, and a food and beverage area, signaling a full conversion of the interior layout from its previous amusement-focused design.
The property, once known for children’s birthday parties, pizza dining, and arcade token games, has stood idle for years as commercial activity along the corridor shifted and the building remained unoccupied. Its long vacancy became a visible marker of underused retail space in Southeast Portland, prompting interest from local developers seeking large indoor structures suitable for recreational conversion.
The new lease agreement spans 10 years and was signed by a group of local entrepreneurs who identified the building’s size and layout as suitable for indoor court construction. The facility is expected to serve both casual players and organized recreational groups once operational, with design modifications focused on maximizing usable court space within the existing structure.
Project Transformation and Facility Layout
The redevelopment of the former restaurant and arcade involves a full interior redesign to accommodate five regulation pickleball courts, which require open floor space, high ceilings, and clear boundary markings. The structure’s existing footprint provided an advantage for conversion, as it already contained large open areas previously used for arcade machines and dining zones.
Rose City Pickleball will also include a pro shop that will supply equipment such as paddles, balls, and related sports accessories. This retail component is intended to support both beginners and experienced players who may need gear or replacements during play sessions.
In addition to the courts and retail section, the facility will feature a cafe space offering food and beverages, including beer and wine. This mixed-use recreational and hospitality model reflects a broader trend in indoor sports centers that combine athletic activity with social and leisure environments.
The renovation preserves structural elements of the original building while significantly altering its interior layout. While the exterior will undergo branding changes, the transformation prioritizes functional redesign over demolition, allowing the site to maintain its existing footprint within the neighborhood.
Site History and Long Vacancy Period
The building’s history as a Chuck E. Cheese location contributes to its local recognition, particularly among families who frequented the venue before its closure in 2020. Following its shutdown, the property remained vacant, with no permanent tenant occupying the space for approximately six years.
During that period, the site became emblematic of unused commercial real estate in the area, reflecting broader challenges faced by large-format family entertainment venues after shifts in consumer behavior and the impact of changing retail patterns.
The property’s location near Southeast 92nd Avenue and Powell Boulevard places it within a mixed commercial corridor that includes automotive services, retail shops, and small businesses. The long-term vacancy drew attention from neighboring establishments, some of which noted the absence of consistent foot traffic associated with an active tenant.
The redevelopment now marks the first major reuse of the site since its closure, transitioning it from an entertainment chain outlet to a locally operated recreational facility.
Local Ownership and Business Development Plans
The Rose City Pickleball project is led by local entrepreneurs, including co-owner Loan Nguyen, who also operates Takara Sushi in Northwest Portland. Nguyen’s involvement in the project reflects a broader expansion into recreational business development alongside existing restaurant operations.
Nguyen’s interest in pickleball began several years earlier after a personal shift from tennis due to back pain, which led her to explore the sport as a lower-impact alternative. That experience contributed to her decision to support the development of a dedicated indoor facility in Portland.
Business partner Kiet Le described the redevelopment effort as an opportunity to reactivate a long-unused property and contribute to neighborhood activity. The group selected the former Chuck E. Cheese building after searching for a large indoor space capable of supporting multiple courts and associated amenities.
The team secured a long-term lease agreement, allowing them to proceed with renovation planning and construction modifications. The timeline for completion targets a public opening in July, although interior work and equipment installation remain ongoing.
The project also includes an intention to retain a visible connection to the building’s past. Plans call for preserving the original sign frame from the Chuck E. Cheese location, with new Rose City Pickleball branding installed in place of the former signage structure.
Community Response and Neighborhood Impact
Local businesses near the redevelopment site have responded to the upcoming opening with expectations of increased activity in the area. The return of consistent visitors to the property is anticipated to influence surrounding commercial traffic patterns, particularly for adjacent service-oriented businesses.
Workers in neighboring establishments have noted that the site’s prolonged vacancy limited daytime and evening activity in its immediate vicinity. The introduction of an indoor sports facility is expected to generate steady foot traffic from players, visitors, and cafe customers once operations begin.
The facility’s combination of sports and social space is positioned to attract a wide range of participants, including recreational players, groups, and individuals seeking indoor physical activity options. The inclusion of food and beverage service further extends the length of visits beyond court usage alone.
The redevelopment also aligns with broader efforts to repurpose large commercial buildings that have remained unused following the closure of national chain venues. Rather than demolishing the structure, the project adapts the existing space for a new recreational function, maintaining its presence within the neighborhood while changing its purpose.
Pickleball Growth and Opening Timeline
The decision to develop a dedicated pickleball facility reflects the sport’s rapid expansion in the United States in recent years. According to USA Pickleball, participation has increased by more than 150 percent over a three-year period, positioning it among the fastest-growing recreational sports nationally.
This growth has driven increased demand for dedicated indoor and outdoor courts, particularly in urban areas where space is limited and weather conditions can affect play. Facilities like Rose City Pickleball aim to address that demand by providing year-round indoor access.
The Portland project is structured to open its doors to the public in July, pending completion of interior construction and installation of court surfaces and equipment. Once operational, the venue will function as a year-round recreational space with scheduled court usage and open play opportunities.
