An ambitious project combining dining, recreation, and entertainment under one massive roof, Pickle Palace has become a popular destination in downtown Cedar Rapids since its opening in 2024. Part of the $81.5 million Kingston Yard development, it spans 37,000 square feet across three stories. The venue includes a restaurant and bar, indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a rooftop patio, duckpin bowling, and private event spaces. Each floor offers a distinct experience, requiring a variety of lighting solutions.
The architectural and lighting design was a collaborative effort between CSLA Iowa, Fusion Architects, and Streff Electric. Our combined expertise ensured the project met both functional and aesthetic goals, with lighting playing a key role in enhancing the building’s unique interior and exterior spaces. Strategic lighting choices further emphasize the business’s playful personality.
Brands Used
Luminii, iLight, Visual Comfort & Co., Gotham, Meteor Lighting, Tivoli, NLS Lighting, Sistemalux, Lumenpulse, Wila, Pinnacle Architectural Lighting, BEGA, Barn Light Electric, Modern Forms
The Interior
Upon arrival, Sistemalux Lift fixtures direct your attention to the entrance with their ultra-narrow beams of light. Lumenpulse Lumenfacade uplight the art adorning the entryway. Inside, vibrant wall murals add a lively touch, while Gotham IVO cylinders highlight equally fun products in the retail space, inviting guests to take home a souvenir.
Throughout the main-floor restaurant, BEGA 66 051 surface-mounted downlights discreetly provide soft illumination. Black and gold Visual Comfort & Co. pendants and surface-mounted fixtures accent the ceiling, while Luminii RGBW tape light backlights the bar and booths, creating an energizing glow.
As you make your way upstairs, Pinnacle EDGE Wet fixtures wash the stairwells, guiding patrons safely between floors. The second-floor bar features a combination of Gotham EVO cylinders and frosted globe pendants by Visual Comfort & Co., creating a cozy ambiance for guests to enjoy crafted beverages and conversation. These modern glass fixtures beautifully complement design elements such as the detailed wood trim around the bar and an elevated copper penny backsplash.
Peering over the balcony, large two-story arched windows invite natural light onto the pickleball courts during the day. When the sun sets, Meteor Lighting’s Whiz high-ceiling fixtures provide an impressive amount of light above the courts without any distracting glare.
The Exterior
The building’s exterior lighting design is equally impressive. Just on the other side of the wall, NLS VUE mounted on 15’ steel poles wash the outdoor courts with ample light so play can continue even on a pitch-black night. Mounted nearby, Meteor Lighting’s Lance 6 direct/indirect sconces strategically illuminate the brickwork in a variety of colors.
Meticulously programmed iLight by Luminii RGBW Plexineon outlines the perimeter of the roof, displaying dynamic color changes to match the season, holiday, or special event. Over 1,000 individual RGBW light sources are controlled by an ETC Mosaic touchscreen controller for ease of use. This feature has quickly made Pickle Palace a standout landmark at the intersection of 1st and 1st, grabbing the attention of commuters on I-380.
High above the interstate, the rooftop deck offers stunning city views, but the lighting takes it to the next level. Tivoli’s Litesphere festoon lighting hangs playfully from the pergola, shifting through a spectrum of colors overhead. WILA’s illuminated railing system encloses the deck, allowing visitors to safely enjoy the views in style.
As a bonus, nestled next to the Palace is Kingston Yard, an adjacent green space designed for live music, movie nights, outdoor yoga sessions, and other social events. Post-top area lighting by NLS illuminates the walkways around the green space, while vibrant RGBW downlighting by Meteor Lighting makes the entertainment stage pop.
Pickle Palace is a testament to how high-quality lighting can transform a space, making a good design great. We are ecstatic to have played a role in this iconic project, helping to reenergize downtown Cedar Rapids.
