Asheville Reporter

After standing for more than 30 years, the climbing wall at 43 Wall Street is being removed to make space for new developments.

Climbmax Climbing Gym moved into the city-owned space in 1993. The City activated this location as part of a downtown revitalization effort alongside original Climbmax owner Stuart Cowles, who 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 vacated the Wall Street location, the City is preparing for a lease with a new outside party yet to be determined. To ensure optimal marketability of the space for prospective tenants, removal of both exterior and interior climbing walls is necessary.

The exterior climbing wall will be auctioned in early September as required by public processes. Removal of the interior climbing structures will occur this fall. Afterward, the space will be available for lease. Parameters are currently being developed for this city-owned property on Wall Street, including prioritizing a tenant that will support continued activation of this area.

Community members are invited to share their memories by sending photos or stories to neighborhoods@ashevillenc.gov.

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