November 2025 Project of The Month: Picklewood in SODO
Pickleball is on the rise, and Nathan Talbot saw the perfect opportunity to bring courts, bites, and spiked drinks to the SODO neighborhood, teaming up with co-founder and well-known local chef Ethan Stowell.
Almost everyone has heard of pickleball, but did you know that it was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965 by three friends improvising a game of badminton using ping pong paddles and a plastic ball? It’s recently become the fastest-growing sport in the world thanks to its simple rules, accessibility across ages, and the social connection it fosters among players.
Nathan Talbot is passionate about paddle sports, and like many millennials in the Seattle area, grew up playing pickleball at least once during a PE unit. With his background in coaching and volunteer work at several local organizations, Nathan decided to combine his interests and leadership skills to create a welcoming environment for all. When describing his concept, he emphasizes the importance of coming together and being yourself. Though the vibe leans toward classic country club, Picklewood still manages to capture a spirit that invites you to play along or bring your own style to the court.
The strength of this branding comes from Nathan and Ethan’s collaboration with People People, who helped the retro-prep aesthetic and humor coexist effortlessly.
Picklewood resides in the Sodo Urbanworks building, tucked away on 1st Ave South, which is the perfect location for gatherings of all sizes. As you drive through the SODO neighborhood, the new 33’ x 15’ rooftop sign comes brightly into view from the elevated roadway, positioned right at eye level for passing drivers and impossible to miss.
We handcrafted 7” deep aluminum open channel letters standing up to 11.5 feet tall, painted cream and illuminated by single stroke 15mm white exposed neon. Beneath the cursive channel letters sits a non-illuminated flat-cut aluminum word panel painted a rich orange, all secured along the aluminum framing with the sky peeking through. A striking rooftop landmark that both stands out and fits seamlessly into the Seattle landscape.
Stay up to date with Picklewood on their Instagram.
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