From ballroom to pickleball courts: This CT hotel is making changes to better benefit their town
The grand ballroom at the former Marriott hotel in Farmington, which hosted decades worth of conventions and wedding receptions, is slated to become a complex of pickleball courts.
New Jersey-based CSRE Group is converting the building into apartments, and won town approval Monday night to remodel the former ballroom space into pickleball courts.
“Our plan aims to enhance the town of Farmington by introducing a recreational facility centered around indoor pickleball courts. These courts will be available for public rent while also offering a membership option that grants access to the courts and all the amenities of our multi-family property,” CSRE said in a letter to the Town Plan and Zoning Commission.
“We believe this proposal aligns with the town’s interests and will contribute positively to the overall livability of the area,” the company wrote. “Pickleball is a popular and inclusive sport that appeals to a wide range of age groups and skill levels.”
Town officials said CSRE still intends to locate a restaurant on the property as well. That was a key feature of the original conversion plan when Jason Schlesinger, a principal in CLP Farmington LLC, bought the hotel form $10.5 million two years ago.
“We’re going to repurpose this asset and use every inch of it. And the amenities are what will set us apart,” Schlesinger said at the time. His plan included a new restaurant and bar along a corridor wall between the lobby and ballroom, known as the D wing. The idea was to replace the wall by an enormous retractable glass door so the new restaurant could offer inside and outside seating.
Schlesinger obtained the necessary town permits, but sold the project to New Jersey-based CSRE before major construction started. CSRE named it Up House Apartments, and is converting the 381 hotel rooms into more than 250 apartments with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units.
Currently, apartments.com lists one-bedroom apartments at $1,900 to $2,400. Sizes range from 592 to 694 square feet.
Two-bedroom units are listed at $2,700 to $2,900. They include two bathrooms, and sizes run from 691 to 757 square feet.
CSRE has renovated the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, and added a new fitness center. The amenities list also includes an outdoor dining patio with grills, a yoga studio, a business center, a Peloton room, virtual golf, a dog park and an electric vehicle charging station.
In making its case for the pickleball complex Monday night, CSRE told commissioners that it would benefit health and the local economy.
“We aim to promote physical activity, wellness, and social interaction among community members,” the company said. “The introduction of a pickleball facility will attract visitors from neighboring areas, positively impacting local businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and shops. The increased foot traffic can generate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
“Our proposal aims to create a sense of community by providing residents and visitors with a common space for recreational activities,” the company said. “The shared experience of playing pickleball and engaging in multi-family amenities can foster social connections and strengthen neighborhood bonds.”
CSRE said the courts will meet official standards and include high-quality flooring, lighting and nets.
The public will be able to book time slots at the complex, and CSRE said it will offer hourly, daily and long-term options. It will also offer a membership package that will provide discounted rental rates as well as access to the fitness center, pools and courtyard.
CSRE has numerous other residential properties in seven Connecticut communities including The Packard in West Hartford and Element 250 in Hartford.
