The Look Cinema dine-in movie theater in Downtown Chandler closed in February 2025, after it was locked out by its landlord and the owners filed for bankruptcy. A new business, Padeland, is opening in the 35,000-square-foot facility on 1 W. Chandler Blvd, where Look Cinema previously stood.
Padeland will host four indoor padel courts and five pickleball courts, as well as a restaurant, coffee shop, and coworking space to relax and unwind. Pickleball and padel are popular sports internationally and many members of the community are excited to have a chance to play the sports indoors.
Padel is a sport similar to tennis and racquetball, usually played in pairs on a court surrounded by large glass walls. Padel first originated in Mexico in 1969, and alongside pickleball, is one of the fastest growing sports of all time.
Another new business coming to Chandler High School’s neighborhood is Pip Coffee + Clay, on 44 W Erie St, just north of Payne Gym. This is the company’s third location, and as their name suggests, they sell coffee and offer ceramics classes ranging from beginner to advanced.
The facility, originally a single family residence, will boast a wide variety of snacks and beverages, such as coffee, matcha, chai, and freshly made pastries. Within the building will be a fully equipped pottery studio, where guests can participate in wheel throwing and glazing. Pip hosts an environment where visitors can show off their creativity and create artwork, with snacks in hand.
Cooper Buck, a freshman at CHS, is anticipating the new locations and appreciates their proximity to our school. “Padeland sounds like it could be a fun hangout spot, especially if they make it affordable for students. I’ve never played pickleball before, but it seems like something I’d want to try with friends.”
Buck found the idea of a coffee shop that offers ceramics classes novel and intriguing. “It’s different and sounds like a nice and calm place to study or just relax after school.”
“It’s nice to see more places opening up around Chandler High that actually feel like they’re made for students and inclusive for all,” Buck admired.
Seniors Mars Haffey and Sophia Katterman are also excited to discover these new venues. “Both sound entertaining, but I’m sad it’s happening senior year; I would’ve loved these in my underclassmen years,” Haffey commented. Sophia voiced that both locations sounded fun and that she will, “definitely be stopping by when they open.”
Jazmine Gutierrez, a junior, is very excited to try the coffee and drinks at Pip. However, she stated that she didn’t know how to feel about Padeland, and that she “didn’t see [her]self going there.”
The Wolf Howl reached out to Pip Coffee & Clay and Padeland for comment; however, neither business responded in time for this publication. Both Pip and Padeland are set to open in late 2025, so practice your pickleball and pottery skills and expect a whole lot of fun!
