Rock-Climbing Gym Coming to 125th Street Spring 2018
By Dartunorro Clark | June 7, 2017 8:53am | @DartDClark
A new rock-climbing gym is coming to 125th Street.
The Cliffs, which has locations in Long Island City, Westchester and DUMBO, plans to open The Cliffs at Harlem at 256 W. 125th Street, across from the famed Apollo Theater, owner Mike Wolfert said.
Wolfert decided to open an outpost uptown not only due to its plum location, but because he said it could be beneficial to the area.
“It’s a great community,” he said. “The local population hasn’t experienced climbing, and we think it’s something they would enjoy.”
Wolfert also said he plans to offer free after-school programs for local kids in response to threats of funding cuts from the federal government.
The Harlem location would be the chain’s second-largest, with 15,000 square feet planned, since the gym launched 12 years ago at its Westchester location.
The bulk of the gym will be dedicated to indoor rock climbing, with a smaller fitness area, bathrooms and showers.
Wolfert didn’t say how much a membership would cost at the Harlem outpost, but fees at the Long Island City location ranges from $85 to $155 a month, according to its website.
Construction is expected to begin this week, and the facility is scheduled to open in the spring of 2018.
It is also one of the latest high-profile announcements of new openings in the neighborhood, specifically on the 125th Street corridor.
Illinois-based art supplier, Blick Art Materials plans to set up shop nearby this fall at 261 W. 125th St. Victoria’s Secret and Bath and Body Works, both of which are owned by L Brands, are also slated for the shopping center at 112 W. 125 St., where a Whole Foods is set to open on July 21.
Additionally, the famed Lenox Lounge space will be demolished to make way for an undisclosed, 15,000-square-foot retail location.