Squash is usually played only in country clubs and luxury gyms. Open Squash hopes to change that by opening a 21,000-square-foot facility in New York City’s Financial District.
Open Squash’s mission is to make squash accessible to everyone, regardless of skin color, gender, race, or even income level, and the brand is making that happen in a big way in a commercial high-rise in downtown New York City.
Rising above the Financial District, the new 14-story, 21,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility provides an inclusive environment for both amateur and advanced squash enthusiasts while also reimagining commercial office space as a new type of community in a dynamic and inspiring way.
Real decision Open Squash What makes it different from squash facilities in New York and elsewhere is its “open” nature.
“Squash has traditionally been a more niche, high-end sport, often only played at country clubs and other exclusive gyms like Equinox,” Ona Prokes, Director of Operations at Open Squash, told Athletech News. “As a 501(c)(3), our nonprofit mission is to make the sport of squash more accessible, which is why we are proud to be a community hub that welcomes everyone, regardless of background.”
Memberships start at $149 per month, and the organization proudly offers discounts based on income so that everyone has an equal opportunity to play the game.
Open Squash opened its first venue in Bryant Park in 2020 and immediately established itself among a diverse audience.
““One of the great things about Open Squash is that our members come from all over the community,” Proulx explains. “We have kids as young as five who are starting to play squash, and we have 85-year-olds who are retired and want to stay healthy and strong. We have members from all over the world, and we have members right next door.”
With pickleball growing faster than any other sport, it begs the question, will racquet sports like squash experience similar growth?
“Squash is rapidly gaining popularity in different ways,” Proulx said. “Squash is now officially an Olympic sport and will debut in Los Angeles in 2028. In addition, students are now receiving scholarships and being accepted to Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, etc.”
The new facility at 100 Pearl Street features modern facilities and a strong product offering, including:
- Eight top-quality courts imported from Germany, equipped with spectator areas
- A glass performance arena equipped with advanced audio-visual technology for interactive training sessions, coaching sessions and competitions
- Fitness area with free weights and other equipment
- locker room
- A café that doubles as an additional hangout spot
- classes, clinics and recreational camps.
The building was designed by Bricault Design in collaboration with TPG Architecture, and the design team worked closely with engineers and project partners to strategically conceal mechanical equipment and address acoustic challenges, ensuring that Open Squash would be a respectful neighbor to other businesses in the commercial building.
What does the future hold for Open Squash? Prokes says there may be more to come.
“We’re open to expanding and finding unique spaces, like unused office space, where we can build beautiful courts and grow the community,” she said.
