View Full Version : Rocktown Climbing Gym
BBatesokc 02-08-2015, 01:13 PM Ah. Was on a date, and we were walking along the bridge and heard this faint buzzing noise. Saw the nav lights of a UAV hovering about 30 feet over the bridge deck.
Sounds like too much of an opportunity for a careless drone operator to hit something they can't see and send the UAV into I-40 traffic below.
OKCinsomniac 12-10-2015, 10:52 PM Rocktown rocked as property owner decides not to renew gym's lease | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/article/5466050?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=ShareBar-Twitter)
ljbab728 12-10-2015, 11:51 PM Unless they have some major plans for this property, it is very difficult to understand what they are doing. There has to be more to this story.
pw405 12-10-2015, 11:54 PM Rocktown rocked as property owner decides not to renew gym's lease | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/article/5466050?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=ShareBar-Twitter)
While it is very sad if they are no longer in business, I have to admit I only went once about 15 years ago. (can't access link).
ljbab728 12-11-2015, 12:00 AM While it is very sad if they are no longer in business, I have to admit I only went once about 15 years ago. (can't access link).
Well, I have to admit I've never been at all and never would, but I know it has been very important to many in our city and
it will be missed. It is a very unique venue and could never be replicated.
Paseofreak 12-11-2015, 01:27 AM It was by far the best example beneficial re-use I've ever come across. There are, no doubt, other better examples in many respects, but as far as creative and completely unrelated prior and post used, this takes the cake. A thought provoking example for presentations.
I'll see what I can find out about this.
Bellaboo 12-11-2015, 07:45 AM Isn't there another abandoned silo just south of the river on Robinson ?
LakeEffect 12-11-2015, 08:29 AM Isn't there another abandoned silo just south of the river on Robinson ?
No, that is still in active use.
Stickman 12-11-2015, 12:27 PM No, that is still in active use.
I think it is owned by Con-Agra.
Hutch 12-11-2015, 01:52 PM I'm a climber from way back...and I'm very familiar with all of the former and current operators. I was surprised by the news and concerned about the future of the gym when I read the story this morning. But I've since learned that the gym is not going anywhere. If anything, it will be even better than before. That's all that I can say at this point. Stay tuned.
Spartan 12-11-2015, 06:42 PM This sucks.
Sounds like this going to work out.
Kemotblue 12-11-2015, 07:03 PM What? Rocktown Gym is closing forever? It's such a good use and is very popular is there working under the table for something major for that part of bricktown. I can't believe the Gym will not be in operation.
Hutch 12-11-2015, 07:20 PM In case you missed it...
...I've since learned that the gym is not going anywhere. If anything, it will be even better than before. That's all that I can say at this point. Stay tuned.
Zorba 12-11-2015, 11:10 PM In case you missed it...
Well hopefully you are right, otherwise both of the places I workout have gone down within a month of each other :(
Hopefully this won't be like Bell's in Tulsa, refuse to resign the lease of a good paying tenet to create a parking lot.
Urbanized 12-12-2015, 10:27 AM Hutch is right.
Kbarber 12-12-2015, 07:50 PM Hutch is right.
This is on his webpage when you go to Squarespace - Claim This Domain (http://www.Rocktowngym.com)
(http://www.rocktowngym.com)
"Despite being model tenants, our landlord is forcing us to leave our current location effective January 1, 2016. This decision was sudden, inexplicable and shocking to us. As always, we are opting to follow the example of integrity, compassion and kindness that you, our faithful family, have pursued for many years.
We are currently looking for a new home to continue serving youth through climbing and other activities that are integral to our mission. We want the transition involving our withdrawal from the building to be as smooth as possible. To this end, we will make every effort to try and secure an agreement with the new tenants to ensure that any money you have spent at Rocktown will be honored. Stay tuned, we are excited about the future and the continued evolution of our program."
New climbing gym could replace Rocktown
By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record December 11, 2015 0
OKLAHOMA CITY – Owners of a Norman climbing facility could be filling the Rocktown Climbing Gym space near Bricktown.
Rocktown Youth Mentoring Director Steven Charles said the owners of Norman’s Climb Up Gym, Aaron and Lisa Gibson, are negotiating with them on leaving equipment for the new operator’s use.
Lisa Gibson said they are not in any position to comment about the change. The building is leased by Precor Ruffin Realtor Mark Ruffin. He said he could not comment about the matter.
The Rocktown Climbing Gym is the for-profit entity that directly benefits the youth mentoring program, which has the lease at the silo. The program has been at the gym since 2002. The program’s lease ends Dec. 31 and will not be renewed, meaning both entities will leave. Charles said the nonprofit will be looking for another place for the two entities to operate.
“We have had several people say that ‘We’re interested in helping you find a space,’” Charles said. “We haven’t identified a space yet.”
Rocktown Climbing Gym is overseen by Andy Chasteen. He said the for-profit business has seen a decline in its revenue because of the Shields Boulevard construction. The gym has been in the silo since 1998.
“Our revenues have been down, but as far as our financials go, they look better than last year,” he said.
Chasteen said some staff members were cut to make sure the for-profit could make ends meet.
“We were able to cut costs without negatively affecting the experience of our customers,” he said.
Charles said the nonprofit will look to more adventure-type outings with the 90 kids it sees each week, even if a climbing wall is not involved. He said adventure is the reason children keep returning.
“There’s an intransitive value in overcoming something that’s hard and scary and realizing you can,” he said. “We’re going to continue to do what we’re doing.”
Chasteen said the for-profit is trying to find a place to exist with the nonprofit, so the two can continue to support each other.
“We’re trying to do the right thing in our exit from the building,” he said. “Then, we’ll move on with our (nonprofit) program because that’s what’s most important to us.”
So the "gym is not going anywhere" in the sense that it will still be a climbing gym. But Rocktown most definitely is going somewhere. Am I getting this right?
Snowman 12-14-2015, 06:08 PM I am kind of shocked they did as much renovation as they did on a building they did not own
Zorba 12-14-2015, 11:34 PM Climb Up is okay, but I personally liked Rock Town post Aaron better. Although, the grain elevator could be utilized more fully than it currently is, so if Aaron and Lisa are willing to invest the money into opening new silos or renovating the control building it could be a good thing.
For my sake, it would be nice if Rock Town moved up to the Edmond area, I think the area could support a gym, but I have my doubts that the Metro could support 3. Especially if Life Time moves in as speculated, as they typically have a nice climbing section as well.
I am kind of shocked they did as much renovation as they did on a building they did not own
Tons of commercial buildings are leased and could have the rug pulled out from under them.
Zorba 12-14-2015, 11:41 PM Rocktown Looks For New Home - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/30746241/rocktown-looks-for-new-home)
ljbab728 12-17-2015, 11:25 PM Steve's update.
http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5467498?embargo_redirect=yes
Former business partners in Rocktown are set to take over operations at the Bricktown climbing gym next month following a decision by the landlord not to renew the current tenant's lease.
“The decision to not renew Rocktown as a tenant was made based upon my assessment that the business model they are currently pursing is not sustainable,” Ruffin said. “It is in our interest as the landlord to have someone operating the gym that is fully vested in the gym as a business, not as something that is under pressure to feed a non-profit mission.”
It was also mentioned that the youth mentoring program will continue.
Jeepnokc 12-18-2015, 09:38 AM Do I understand this right? What is the back story here? Former business partners leave. Lease comes up for renewal and owner won't renew but instead leases it to the former partners.
That's how I understand it. Seems fishy if that is the case.
shawnw 12-18-2015, 10:03 AM As long as rent is being paid, should it fundamentally matter? What good is it if nobody goes to the new gym because they're ticked and they end up having to fold and then we have nothing?
Jeepnokc 12-18-2015, 10:51 AM As long as rent is being paid, should it fundamentally matter? What good is it if nobody goes to the new gym because they're ticked and they end up having to fold and then we have nothing?
It is about fundamental fairness and ethical business practices. I don't rock climb but generally given the choice of two businesses...I am going to patronize the one I feel is more ethical. I want to be treated fair and I think others should do the same. Does it matter, it can. What if you get into a dispute with the owner.....I would rather be in a dispute with an owner that even though I may not agree, he/she is at least being fair and ethical in their dealings with me.
Jeepnokc 12-18-2015, 10:54 AM It is no different than the numerous sales calls I get to my office, A lot of salesmen will lie to the support staff to try and get through to me even though we try to be fair and tell them to email me the info and if I am interested, I will call them. If you lie to get to me....there is no way I am doing business with you even if you are the only product in town.
sooner88 12-18-2015, 10:57 AM Was there any indication that they had not been able to pay rent or weren't going to be able to going forward?
Urbanized 12-18-2015, 11:01 AM Lots of assumptions being made about who is a bad actor here and who is not. Does anyone know the circumstances under which the first owner (or "former partner") was forced out? Or WERE they forced out? The circumstances of the first ownership change seemed equally nebulous at the time. I've met both people, and they both SEEMED very nice and likable, and both seem to have individual followings in the climbing community. I also know Mark Ruffin, and have always thought he was an excellent human being. I don't really think I personally know enough about the inside story to make a determination about who screwed who here.
shawnw 12-18-2015, 01:56 PM Jeep we're on the same page. I was addressing the current owner when I said "what does it matter if rent is getting paid".
For my sake, it would be nice if Rock Town moved up to the Edmond area
I've always thought Rodkey's Flour Mill would be an ideal spot for another climbing gym...
dankrutka 07-14-2016, 12:18 PM Update: http://newsok.com/article/5509490?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=ShareBar-Twitter
BoulderSooner 07-14-2016, 12:58 PM Update: http://newsok.com/article/5509490?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=ShareBar-Twitter
Not really about this thread and also no new info. See here from a month ago. http://okctalk.com/content.php?r=298-Grain-elevator-to-be-converted-for-restaurant-mixed-use
Ross MacLochness 07-14-2016, 02:23 PM When this general area is ready for development, what is the fate of the climbing gym? I am biased because I climb, but it would be a shame for the silos to be demolished or re-purposed. It is a very unique recreational facility and the mural is great; i think it is a gem of our city. In the future, I'd love to see the gym be incorporated into a mixed use and walkable urban fabric.
PhiAlpha 07-15-2016, 02:47 PM When this general area is ready for development, what is the fate of the climbing gym? I am biased because I climb, but it would be a shame for the silos to be demolished or re-purposed. It is a very unique recreational facility and the mural is great; i think it is a gem of our city. In the future, I'd love to see the gym be incorporated into a mixed use and walkable urban fabric.
I wish Rocktown would create some kind of partnership with OKC Riversport so that it is included as one of their activities and could be incorporated into the boat house district. They are close to each other and have the outdoor activity theme in common so it would really seem like a natural fit. Rocktown could probably benefit from all the publicity that OKC Riversport gets anyway.
GoldFire 07-16-2016, 11:36 AM Just want to point out that this gym is no longer Rocktown, it is Climb UP now.
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