Before the Longmont Climbing Collective took up its current home at 33 S. Pratt Pkwy, it faced a series of trials just to get started. While the owners predict life will continue to throw them curve balls, they took a moment to celebrate a momentous moment.
In 2008, the economics at the time prevented the six co-owners from getting a loan said Bryan Hylenski. A problem that was resolved by 2013.
At that point, a location was set, a loan secured and the business was all set to take off. Then the 2013 flood raged through the area, once again postponing the dream.
Through the hardships, the six owners never gave up hope and were rewarded when they were able to open the climbing facility on Pratt Parkway in 2018.
The current facility is 13,500 sq ft and primarily hosts an indoor bouldering gym.
Despite seeing part of the dream come true, Hylenski said his true dream has always been to open a full-service gym with rope and bouldering offerings.
On Monday, the crew, family and friends saw the first step to that coming to fruition. The Longmont Climbing Collective broke ground on a 24,000 sq ft gym.
“It’s been two years in the making … It’s been one of the hardest things we have ever had to do,” Hylenski said.
The new space is located on Pinnacle Avenue and Colo 119. It will feature 60- to 70-foot indoor climbing routes, speed climbing walls, sauna and hot tub, 800 square feet of designated training area, an outdoor patio for yoga and fitness classes, retail space, a cafe and a self-serve taproom.
Additionally, LCC is hoping to utilize its outdoor space for local events.
The project is estimated to take 10 months and the team is hoping for a June 1 opening to kick off a busy time of year.
For Helenski, the journey has been like climbing a new mountain, failing often but never giving up. For him and the crew, the mood of the day was excitement about their ascension of this particular mountain.
