The Belmont Theater was transformed into an indoor rock climbing gym by gutting the interior and popping off the roof to allow for tall climbing walls. The project provided a number of challenges including historic renovation and community zoning issues. The fifty foot climbing structures demanded a taller roof than allowed by zoning, the use was not strictly defined by the building code and there was no possibility of parking on the site. After many meetings and negotiations with city planning and building officials, the design review board approved the project unanimously.
The main program elements are the climbing walls, which are set within a fifty foot tall space and are arranged with overhangs, cornices and thousands of possible routes. Also included are bouldering walls, children’s climbing walls, fitness/weight rooms, yoga room, steam room and a retail shop.
construction: completed in 2001 by Planet Granite
structural engineering: Double D Engineering
photos: © Todd West & Phil Rossington
architect / design team: Phil Rossington, Alice Roche.
