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Macy's Re-Purposing, Feedback Sought [Staff Edit 2/15/2025]

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Bob Yancy
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2:53p, 1/26/25
Howdy,

Other threads exist to talk about the process and decision the city made to purchase the former Macy's.

If I may, I'd like to request we dedicate this thread to forward looking solutions. To kick it off, I have one potential proposed solution, among others:

Pickleball & Senior Center: pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. The pickleball community is very active and growing here. We do not have enough pickleball courts in College Station and Bryan combined. Scant few are indoors. Column spacing width will support the installation of courts inside Macy's, albeit it'd be tight.

Bocce ball, dance and exercise classes, game tables, and practice putting green(s) could be installed in other areas. Not a full blown rec center that competes with local gyms, but an activity center for all with likely a senior citizen focus.

This would be a relatively light commercial renovation, albeit municipalities do find ways to spend surprising sums on construction. A use like this would have the benefit of not requiring significant demolition and would likely be an intermediate term solution that preserves the property for potential different uses or a complete mall redevelopment in the future.

Work with me here. I'm trying. Google search "pickleball in vacant malls" before telling me I'm crazy, please. ;-)

Respectfully yours,

Yancy '95

[We have asked the poster that provided the information about the purchase of the property to start another thread with that information in order to keep this thread on topic about the future of the property. -Staff]
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KidDoc
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3:01p, 1/26/25
AG
I am not even close to retired in my early 50s but I think there would be a good demand for that kind of indoor space as described. The challenge would be finding the right membership cost to make it profitable. Once made the cost to maintain shouldn't be terrible but it would seem like a significant construction cost.
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KidDoc
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3:04p, 1/26/25
AG
It does seem like a fairly successful trend, from a quick AI search at least.

The trend of repurposing old malls and big-box stores into pickleball facilities is gaining momentum across the United States, driven by the sport's rapid growth and the decline of traditional retail spaces. Here's an overview of this emerging phenomenon:

## **Current Landscape of Repurposing Malls for Pickleball**

1. **Economic Revitalization**: The decline of retail, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has left many malls with vacant spaces. Entrepreneurs are seizing this opportunity to convert these areas into pickleball courts, which cater to a growing demand for recreational activities. For example, Pickleball America has transformed a former Saks OFF 5th store in Stamford, Connecticut, into a facility with 27 courts[1].

2. **Successful Conversions**: Start-ups like Picklemall and Performance Pickleball are leading the charge. Picklemall aims to convert 50 empty malls into pickleball courts, while Performance Pickleball is transforming a former Macy's in Richmond, Virginia, into a 12-court venue[2][4]. These spaces are ideal due to their large footprints and high ceilings, which accommodate the requirements for indoor sports.

3. **Community Engagement**: The conversion of retail spaces into sports facilities not only meets the demand for pickleball but also revitalizes communities. For instance, Fairgrounds is partnering with malls in Toronto to create engaging environments that include restaurants and bars alongside the courts, making them attractive destinations for social gatherings[5][6].

4. **Operational Adjustments**: The process of converting these spaces involves significant renovations. Contractors typically smooth flooring, install new HVAC systems for better air circulation, and paint court lines[2][4]. This adaptive reuse not only breathes new life into abandoned properties but also provides economic benefits through increased foot traffic and community engagement.

5. **Growing Popularity of Pickleball**: Participation in pickleball has surged, with approximately 8.9 million players in the U.S. as of 2022an increase of 86% from the previous year[1]. This popularity is driving demand for more court space, leading to innovative uses of existing retail infrastructure.

## **Conclusion**

The trend of converting old malls into pickleball venues reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior and recreational preferences. As communities seek new ways to engage residents and utilize vacant spaces effectively, this model presents a promising solution that combines sport, social interaction, and economic revitalization.

Citations:
[1] https://www.planning.org/planning/2023/fall/can-pickleball-mania-revitalize-dying-shopping-malls/
[2] https://www.facilitiesnet.com/facilitiesmanagement/tip/Trend-Alert-Abandoned-Malls-Become-Pickleball-Courts--51791
[3] https://www.secondwavemedia.com/metromode/features/how-this-former-home-goods-store-has-been-repurposed-as-an-indoor-pickleball-facility.aspx
[4] https://www.businessinsider.com/pickleball-courts-taking-over-dead-mall-stores-macys-big-box-2023-5
[5] https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/pickleball-shopping-mall-popularity-1.7095865
[6] https://www.forbes.com/sites/toddboss/2024/01/25/the-business-strategies-behind-the-exploding-indoor-pickleball-club-market/
[7] https://www.sportsdestinations.com/sports/indoor-arenas-facilities/beyond-bed-bath-former-big-box-stores-becoming-32345
[8]
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EBrazosAg
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3:06p, 1/26/25
AG
I get KidDocs positivity about the possibility. But there is no chance it would ever be "profitable" - or just break even. Any consultant that would tell you that should be laughed out of the meeting and banned from bidding on a consultant RFP again. You need to build into your model the literal sunk cost of buying the place in the first place and the removal of property tax revenues in perpetuity if the CoCS owns and operates it.
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to EBrazosAg • 3:15p, 1/26/25
EBrazosAg said:
I get KidDocs positivity about the possibility. But there is no chance it would ever be "profitable" - or just break even. Any consultant that would tell you that should be laughed out of the meeting and banned from bidding on a consultant RFP again. You need to build into your model the literal sunk cost of buying the place in the first place and the removal of property tax revenues in perpetuity if the CoCS owns and operates it.


You could keep it as a city property similar to any other park, on all of which I'm sure more than $7.3m was spent to build.

You could sell it to a private developer at the $7.3m paid by the taxpayer, but offset the premium the taxpayer paid via economic development incentives. We have scant few Econ dev deals active. It wouldn't hurt to use one to pull the chute on this situation.

You could do a version of both and enter into a P3 in which a private sector firm renovates and operates.

Must be creative in this situation. But I agree with a lot that you said.

Respectfully,

Yancy
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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Hornbeck
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In reply to EBrazosAg • 3:18p, 1/26/25
AG
Echo this. Throwing good money after bad is not a good way to proceed. We already have $7.3M and mall common fees (growing monthly) into this. There were no bids for the space already. Call me crazy, but I don't trust the city to not turn this into a disaster losing more money.

Climate controlled storage or a church might seriously be the best way for the city to recoup at least some of that money.
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tu ag
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3:23p, 1/26/25
AG
Your ideas aren't bad.
But this isn't the solution most voters want.
They want their money back from this awful cluster the council and City Manager dropped on them.
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to tu ag • 3:28p, 1/26/25
tu ag said:
Your ideas aren't bad.
But this isn't the solution most voters want.
They want their money back from this awful cluster the council and City Manager dropped on them.


Our beloved alma mater definitely didn't do us any favors on this one. Have to call it straight.

That notwithstanding give me solutions or suggestions, please. Forward looking if you would, please sir/maam?

Respectfully requested

Yancy
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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EBrazosAg
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3:55p, 1/26/25
AG
My simplest take on it - let's not chase bad city $ spent with good city $ that are as likely to turn to bad as the initial $$$.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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tu ag
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4:01p, 1/26/25
AG
My forward looking idea is get out of the real estate business ASAP and don't reenter it unless it is for a needed public works project.

In other words sell the sucker at a loss. Have the city manager and council apologize. Then never repeat the same mistake.
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Average Joe
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4:01p, 1/26/25
AG
I'm not sure there is going to be a way to make this profitable. Maybe entice a buyer with no property taxes for the next 5-10 years.

Maybe use it to host shoe conventions, card conventions, farmers market, etc.

I doubt the school would pay to build out classroom and tutoring space to use it for overflow classes. Same goes for partnering with a business to build out office space.

As a parent, using a lot of it for children's activities like a children's museum/discovery museum/interactive museum would be awesome. Something to get out of the heat in the summer. Special sensory hours. The increase in space could allow for more running/playing than smaller places.

Not great ideas, but trying to find a silver lining.
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Hornbeck
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 4:06p, 1/26/25
AG
Why would you guys enter into a "good ole boy" deal with the school spending $7.3M of taxpayer money with nothing binding on the other party?

Sounds like this is exactly what happened, and as a taxpayer, this really upsets me, considering the hoops the city makes anyone building anything around here jump through, or even turning on utilities, I know you guys have some people that have foresight and can plan accordingly, and even draw up legal docs. Why was this one botched so badly?

What I really want is accountability, and no more "awww shucks" from my elected officials
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to EBrazosAg • 4:09p, 1/26/25
EBrazosAg said:
My simplest take on it - let's not chase bad city $ spent with good city $ that are as likely to turn to bad as the initial $$$.


You're talking about the sunk cost fallacy. Keenly aware of it. Nonetheless, something must be done with the asset.
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to Average Joe • 4:11p, 1/26/25
Average Joe said:
I'm not sure there is going to be a way to make this profitable. Maybe entice a buyer with no property taxes for the next 5-10 years.

Maybe use it to host shoe conventions, card conventions, farmers market, etc.

I doubt the school would pay to build out classroom and tutoring space to use it for overflow classes. Same goes for partnering with a business to build out office space.

As a parent, using a lot of it for children's activities like a children's museum/discovery museum/interactive museum would be awesome. Something to get out of the heat in the summer. Special sensory hours. The increase in space could allow for more running/playing than smaller places.

Not great ideas, but trying to find a silver lining.


That's helpful, thanks. Plenty of room in there. Good ideas.
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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DonHenley
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4:13p, 1/26/25
AG
Sell it and give the $ to the tax payers
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to Hornbeck • 4:16p, 1/26/25
Hornbeck said:
Why would you guys enter into a "good ole boy" deal with the school spending $7.3M of taxpayer money with nothing binding on the other party?

Sounds like this is exactly what happened, and as a taxpayer, this really upsets me, considering the hoops the city makes anyone building anything around here jump through, or even turning on utilities, I know you guys have some people that have foresight and can plan accordingly, and even draw up legal docs. Why was this one botched so badly?

What I really want is accountability, and no more "awww shucks" from my elected officials


Well that's fair. No aww shucks here. I apologize for us being here. Untenable situation and city hall knows I feel that way.

I'm going to keep working it and looking for a solution.

Respectfully

Yancy
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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whoop1995
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4:16p, 1/26/25
AG
This is not the purpose of government to buy overpriced land/building and then hold on to it and spend more money to try to convert it into something that might work. Cut the price, sell it or give it away- quit wasting time and money trying to build an untested business or what ever.


Take the loss as that is what this is. Take ownership of the loss and move on and never do this again.
I collect ticket stubs! looking for a 1944 orange bowl and 1981 independence bowl ticket stub as well as Aggie vs tu stubs - 1926 and below, 1935-1937, 1939-1944, 1946-1948, 1950-1951, 1953, 1956-1957, 1959, 1960, 1963-1966, 1969-1970, 1972-1974, 1980, 1984, 1990, 2004, 2008, 2010
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Hornbeck
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 4:17p, 1/26/25
AG
Thanks for the reply, Bob. Really appreciate you engaging with us.

Blue Star for you señor.
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to DonHenley • 4:18p, 1/26/25
DonHenley said:
Sell it and give the $ to the tax payers


I think the market is aware how much we overpaid and didn't want to insult city hall with a competitive offer that would've been approximately 50% of the price paid. That's why we had no offers, in my opinion.

Transparently yours

Yancy
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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Brian Alg
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 4:24p, 1/26/25
Sell it. The process y'all tried before didn't get any takers for whatever reason. Maybe they didn't feel like putting together a costly redevelopment proposal. Maybe they didn't feel like going through political rigmarole while they tried to get their business off the ground.

But if the city committed to selling it, no strings attached, to the highest bidder, I suspect they'd get some takers.

That's the best way out.

Edit: to clarify. It appears the city didn't try to really sell it sell it before. [url=https://www.cstx.gov/news/archived_news/city_seeks_bids_for_macy_s_redevelopment]They were "seek[ing] proposals that include the purchase and lease and a redevelopment plan to bring a unique sense of place. The plan would establish this site as a dynamic activity center for the community, fostering growth and engagement for years to come."[/url]

They were offering a bureaucratic headache to go along with the property. I'd rather they just sell it.
Brian Alg

Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to Brian Alg • 4:30p, 1/26/25
Brian Alg said:
Sell it. The process y'all tried before didn't get any takers for whatever reason. Maybe they didn't feel like putting together a costly redevelopment proposal. Maybe they didn't feel like going through political rigmarole while they tried to get their business off the ground.

But if the city committed to selling it, no strings attached, to the highest bidder, I suspect they'd get some takers.

That's the best way out.


I think you're right, Brian. Never lost money on a real estate transaction in my life. Hurts like hell to think the first one would be on the taxpayer's dime when I'm a fiduciary. Don't think I can do it. The right deal has to be out there.
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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woodiewood
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4:32p, 1/26/25
AT over 100,000 square feet, it's going to have to be a mult-use facility or the HVAC and mall cost will eat a single use economics. We sure don't want to put a few hundred thousand in to for anything and then not get the interest and paying customers. For pickle ball and other uses, is there going to be a charge? Memberships? I would be afraid that we might be looking in four or five years after renovations,on what to do with it and having sunk addiitonal monies.

My personal veiw is the agressively work on selling it for whatever it can be sold for and never do it again. The city needs to be targeted on providing services to it customer base in the most efficient manner and not venture into areas that they have no clue on how to operate.
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to woodiewood • 4:33p, 1/26/25
woodiewood said:
AT over 100,000 square feet, it's going to have to be a mult-use facility or the HVAC and mall cost will eat a single use economics. We sure don't want to put a few hundred thousand in to for anything and then not get the interest and paying customers. For pickle ball and other uses, is there going to be a charge? Memberships? I would be afraid that we might be looking in four or five years after renovations,on what to do with it and having sunk addiitonal monies.

My personal veiw is the agressively work on selling it for whatever it can be sold for and never do it again.


Fair opinion. Thanks.
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Brian Alg
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 4:34p, 1/26/25
People might give you grief because it would probably sell for millions less than the city paid for it. They shouldn't give you grief. But they might.

But it is the right move.

I'd speak out in your defense (on this particular matter) for what that's worth.
Brian Alg

Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to Brian Alg • 4:41p, 1/26/25
Brian Alg said:
People might give you grief because it would probably sell for millions less than the city paid for it. They shouldn't give you grief. But they might.

But it is the right move.

I'd speak out in your defense (on this particular matter) for what that's worth.


Appreciate that- but it's not what I'm looking for. Looking for an artful extrication that benefits the taxpayer.
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hopeandrealchange
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4:42p, 1/26/25
I would suggest that we cut our losses and not continue to dig the hole deeper.
Stop digging!
If pickle ball facilities are needed and profitable let the free market make that investment.
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woodiewood
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In reply to Brian Alg • 4:42p, 1/26/25
Brian Alg said:
People might give you grief because it would probably sell for millions less than the city paid for it. They shouldn't give you grief. But they might.

But it is the right move.

I'd speak out in your defense (on this particular matter) for what that's worth.
Yep. It was a bad and unnecessary investment. As with stocks, if you overpay by 200% and it sits there for years with no dividend and its value goes down, the best thing to do is to lick your wounds, sell it, and do more and better due diligence in the future.

Personally I am most upset over our City Manager and assistant recommending the purchase. I would love to see their logical discussion of the purchase and overpaying by 2X. As a real estate agent, I have talked to a number of commercial brokers about this and they just roll their eyes and chuckle.
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BlueMiles
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4:46p, 1/26/25
AG
I've seen mention of several pickleball courts coming to town. I am not tracking them in a spreadsheet or anything, but I am surprised to read that we don't have enough to fill the demand.

Can you briefly explain the shortage?

Thanks in advance.
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to woodiewood • 4:47p, 1/26/25
woodiewood said:
Brian Alg said:
People might give you grief because it would probably sell for millions less than the city paid for it. They shouldn't give you grief. But they might.

But it is the right move.

I'd speak out in your defense (on this particular matter) for what that's worth.
Yep. It was a bad and unnecessary investment. As with stocks, if you overpay by 200% and it sits there for years with no dividend and its value goes down, the best thing to do is to lick your wounds, sell it, and do more and better due diligence in the future.

Personally I am most upset over our City Manager and assistant recommending the purchase. I would love to see their logical discussion of the purchase and overpaying by 2X. As a real estate agent, I have talked to a number of commercial brokers about this and they just roll their eyes and chuckle.


Thanks for the feedback. Started this thread to be forward looking, please sir. Had to sign off the other one to hold to the policy.

Respectfully yours

Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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trouble
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4:47p, 1/26/25
AG
Y'all, they tried to sell it. No one wants it.

Letting it fall into further decay isn't going to help it be sellable in the future either.
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Bob Yancy
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In reply to trouble • 4:54p, 1/26/25
trouble said:
Y'all, they tried to sell it. No one wants it.

Letting it fall into further decay isn't going to help it be sellable in the future either.


Replacement cost for a municipality to construct 100,000 square feet of conditioned space with a 5 acre parking lot would be $50,000,000. It shouldn't be, but it would.
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
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Brian Alg
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 4:56p, 1/26/25
Bob Yancy said:
Appreciate that- but it's not what I'm looking for. Looking for an artful extrication that benefits the taxpayer.
Taxpayers don't need the city to get artful. We need y'all to get out of the mall property owning business.

Just sell it.

And for the love of Pete, no pickleball e-sports complexes run by the city.
Brian Alg

Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
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Brian Alg
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In reply to trouble • 4:58p, 1/26/25
trouble said:
they tried to sell it.
It is a super important distinction: they did not try to sell it. They "invite[d] sealed bids for the purchase/lease and redevelopment" of the property. That is not the same as trying to sell it.

They should sell it.
Brian Alg

Brazos Coalition for Responsible Government and Moderator Restraint
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PS3D
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In reply to Bob Yancy • 5:26p, 1/26/25
Bob Yancy said:
Howdy,

Other threads exist to talk about the process and decision the city made to purchase the former Macy's.

If I may, I'd like to request we dedicate this thread to forward looking solutions. To kick it off, I have one potential proposed solution, among others:

Pickleball & Senior Center: pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. The pickleball community is very active and growing here. We do not have enough pickleball courts in College Station and Bryan combined. Scant few are indoors. Column spacing width will support the installation of courts inside Macy's, albeit it'd be tight.

Bocce ball, dance and exercise classes, game tables, and practice putting green(s) could be installed in other areas. Not a full blown rec center that competes with local gyms, but an activity center for all with likely a senior citizen focus.

This would be a relatively light commercial renovation, albeit municipalities do find ways to spend surprising sums on construction. A use like this would have the benefit of not requiring significant demolition and would likely be an intermediate term solution that preserves the property for potential different uses or a complete mall redevelopment in the future.

Work with me here. I'm trying. Google search "pickleball in vacant malls" before telling me I'm crazy, please. ;-)

Respectfully yours,

Yancy '95


Going to reiterate what I said before. One main idea that needs to be held is that it needs to have entrances both outside and into the mall, keeping it accessible and without killing either entrance.

Because of the building's position and layout, the smart thing would do is to trade it with Dillard's Womens/Kids or JCPenney. In Richland Mall, one of the Dillard's stores moved into the former Sears space, still keeping its dual-store nature but in a more prominent, larger position.

That would give the City a easier-to-work with ~70k square feet, one-story building.

The two options I would see, both based after real ideas, are as follows:

1) A College Station location of Fieldhouse USA. These large facilities incorporate hardwood courts (used for basketball, tennis, volleyball, etc.) which can be rented out or run by leagues. The Grapevine location is located at Grapevine Mills and is in a former JCPenney Outlet Store itself. It has the hardwood courts but also a restaurant, tae kwon do studio, and gymnastics club. It features entrances both to the outside and into the mall. The Frisco location (stand-alone) has an indoor batting cage area and a barbershop (among others). Columbus (Ohio) has a trampoline park (RIP Altitude!).

Throw in a community room, pickleball courts, and maybe something unique to the chain itself--like an indoor/outdoor natatorium, and you'll have a real winner. The City can largely divest itself from the operation.

2) With Northgate becoming an increasing problem with parking and rent, there's the idea of converting it to an extension of mall space, but with unique flooring and lighting, and leasing it to bars and restaurants with a space that is open late night to make an entertainment center of its own. While a "mall-within-a-mall" that has a separate leasing agent might not gel with CBL Properties, the next best idea would be to convert it to a multi-club venue. In Cincinnati, this was done with "Metropolis" which was in a former anchor space (or part of it), which featured three venues, one on techno, one C&W, and one top 40. In Post Oak Mall, the way this could work (and probably at Metropolis as well) is that you would be able to enter the building and walk past the separate club storefronts during the day, at night, when the mall access is closed, the hallway becomes the point between the clubs. Maybe a restaurant/snack bar could be thrown in there as well. The City at that point could lease to a single operator, with the operator being able to rearrange the club themes as they see fit, and gives the city an out if the clubs are a chronic crime problem.
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The Brazos Kid
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5:26p, 1/26/25
Truck Stop!

I kid…

I see the whole property at some point being demolished and rebuilt into a combination of condo/apartments and retail/entertainment. We can include Pickleball somewhere in there.

As for Macy's space itself: sell to the highest bidder and let the chips fall where they may…
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