Hitting the wall

More indoor rock climbing is coming to the Reno area.

San Diego-based Mesa Rim Climbing & Fitness Center said construction is underway on a Reno climbing facility at Harvard Way and Yale Way.

An opening date was not given for the 24,000-square-foot facility, which will offer 50-foot climbing walls, a yoga studio, an array of fitness equipment and “stylish locker rooms.”

According to a release, Mesa Rim Reno will cater to the area’s large climbing community as well as to outdoor enthusiasts and local athletes.

Ian McIntosh, the company’s general manger, said “We believe that climbing is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle. Climbing and yoga can be transformative experiences — physically, mentally, socially, and beyond.”

In regards to joining the Reno community he stated, “We feel the Reno area is the perfect location for a modern indoor climbing facility that can serve not only as a place to climb and train, but as a community hub for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts in the Reno-Sparks metro area.”

Competitors have already established their own loyal followings among climbing enthusiasts — most notably the Whitney Peak Hotel, the site of 7,000 square foot indoor bouldering park (with over 2,900 square feet of climbable space), complete with a separate, fun, and safe kids’ area. Another company to be reckoned with is RockSport Indoor Climbing Center, in business for over 20 years, with nearly 8,000 square feet of indoor climbing and bouldering.

MBA Architects of Reno has been selected to design the Mesa Rim building and Clark/Sullivan Construction will oversee construction of the facility; a dollar figure was not disclosed.

Mesa Rim has chosen the leading climbing wall manufacturer, Entre-Prises, to build their custom and cutting-edge climbing walls.

“We couldn’t be more happy with the team we’ve been working with,” said Mike Helt, operations director for Mesa Rim Reno. “They’ve worked tirelessly to bring our dream into reality and have created a very unique destination that will become a landmark for the Reno area.”

Mesa Rim opened the doors to its first climbing gym in San Diego in 2010. Mesa Rim Reno will be the company’s third climbing facility.