If this wall could talk!
After standing tall for more than 30 years, the climbing wall located on the plaza at 43 Wall Street is being removed to make space for a new chapter.
Climbmax Climbing Gym moved into the city-owned space in 1993. The City was strategic in activating this location as part of a downtown revitalization effort alongside original Climbmax owner Stuart Cowles, who owned and managed the gym for nearly three decades. At the time of opening, Cowles reported that it was “one of the first climbing gyms in the country.”
Now that the gym has moved out of the Wall Street location, the City is preparing for a lease with a new outside party, yet to be determined. In order to ensure optimal marketability of the space for prospective tenants, removal of the exterior and interior climbing walls is a necessity.
The exterior climbing wall will be auctioned (required as part of public processes) in early September. Removal of the interior climbing structures will occur this fall. Then, the space will be available to be leased. Parameters are currently being developed for this important city-owned property on the Wall Street corridor including prioritizing a tenant that will support continued activation of this area.
Do you have memories of this community fixture? We’d love to hear about it – send your photos or stories to neighborhoods@ashevillenc.gov!