When looking to expand, Climb So iLL co-owner David Chancellor says the challenge is always finding a building with tall enough ceilings.The indoor rock climbing gym Climb So iLL currently has a downtown location near Lafayette and Soulard in a former power plant that is on The National Register of Historic Places.
Their next location is also on The National Register. The team plans to take over The Steel Shop in historic downtown St. Charles. Parallel to the river, the building sits behind the Foundry Art Centre.
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“This building is beautiful,” Chancellor says. “These buildings really just take on a life of their own.”
The expansion to the St. Charles area aligns with the company’s mission. “We are excited to be part of the growing St. Charles community,” Chancellor says. “Our mission is to promote community and fitness through a unique indoor climbing experience. Climb So iLL is perfectly designed for everyone, including beginners to advanced climbers. Rock climbing is a a great way to connect with people and build friendships that last a life time—this passion is what drives us every day.”
Chancellor sees rock climbing as the perfect avenue for working out and creating a community. “A lot of times people buy a gym membership, they run on the treadmill with earphones in,” he says. “They never meet friends or connect with each other. A climbing gym puts this model on its head and allows for an amazing way to interact with each other but also experience fitness.”
He says climbing 55-foot tall walls is cardio, develops core strength and increasing hand grip strength. The walls have different routes, divided by color to indicate difficulty level. “We set different routes, so it almost becomes a puzzle for them,” Chancellor says. “Our route setters will craft a certain type of puzzle and the climber is engaged in the activity while also trying to problem-solve.”
Chancellor hopes to open by end of summer but is currently at the bare stage of construction. The climbing walls, which are prefabricated in Bulgaria, will arrive in June to be installed piece by piece in the facility. On the floor plan, the walls wrap the perimeter with a 45-foot pillar anchoring the middle of the space. The building includes a yoga program, workout equipment, potential retail space, and a lounge area for friends or family to sit and watch climbers.
