Official Press Release For “Kraken Kourts a 70,000 square-foot complex with 16 pickleball courts, a tavern, and the District’s only indoor roller skating rink”

Bryant Street NE via Interface Multimedia

Yo!! Here’s all the info on those pickleball courts and indoor skating rink!! coming to the former Forman Mills space in NE:

“MRP Realty, developer of commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use real estate across the Washington Metropolitan Region, announces today the close of lease to Kraken Kourts on a 70,000 square-foot complex with 16 pickleball courts, a tavern, and the District’s only indoor roller skating rink which will open in January in the developer’s Bryant Street NE development in Edgewood.

“MRP is focused on engaging with and adding value to the Edgewood neighborhood in every
way possible,” said Zach Wade, principal with MRP Realty. “Our existing retail partners, Alamo Cinema & Drafthouse, MetroBar, District Dogs, F-45 Fitness, plus Van Gogh and Dino’s Alive Immersive Experiences provide the community with fantastic services and entertainment, and we are thrilled with Kraken’s plan for the space. Pickleball has really resonated at the new Edgewood Rec Center, and we believe adding these courts plus the skating rink will provide valuable active engagement for families in the neighborhood and across the DMV.”

Capitalizing on the fastest-growing sports craze in the country, the team that founded Hook Hall and operates Kraken Axes and Rage will expand their brand to open Kraken Kourts, a multi- generational gathering space with family programming and courtside cabanas for cheering on the matches with an assortment of dining and beverage options.

“What is amazing about pickleball and roller skating is that both sports have this mass appeal – no matter how old or athletic you are, both are activities that everyone can enjoy,” said Anna Valero, president and co-founder of the Kraken experiences and Hook Hall. “We will focus on the experience for everyone–from players to spectators — with lounge seating in courtside cabanas and a food and drink menu featuring local favorites.”

Serving as that gathering space is the central hub of the project. Indoor lawn games, including cornhole, giant Jenga, and shuffleboard will surround the pickleball courts in a beer garden-like atmosphere. There will be private party spaces for celebrations large and small. Pickleball leagues with divisions based on skill will launch in late January along with clinics and private lessons.

“We are proud to be creating Kraken Kourts in partnership with MRP Realty, developer of the Bryant Street NE complex,” said Valero of Kraken. “They are setting the standard for a community gathering space for the Edgewood/Eckington/Rhode Island Avenue NE community.” The indoor roller skating rink will offer skate rentals, lessons and skating party packages for all ages. Kraken Kourts will also create corporate team-building and special event packages with food and beverage options.”