For those unfamiliar with bouldering, SBP offers this definition: “Bouldering is rock climbing, without using ropes or harnesses, on climbs that don’t go too high off the ground.” So rocks and heights won’t spoil your fun, and in the case of SBP, a bouldering gym, our nasty winter climate won’t ruin your day, either. And if you should fall, thick pads on the floor assure you aren’t likely to get injured. Having done quite a bit of climbing and bouldering myself, I can say that the attraction comes from the intellectual challenge of finding a good way up and around a route coupled with the physical challenge of pulling off the needed moves.
SBP offers more than just bouldering. Their current location, at 900 Poplar Pl S near the intersection of I-5 and I-90, offers spaces for yoga and fitness classes, locker rooms complete with saunas, a bar and a “kids and family climbing area.” Given the size of the building at 3535 Interlake, I suspect the new facility will offer many of the same amenities, if not more. The smaller building to the north, strictly for bouldering, may open as soon as this winter while the main building at 3535 Interlake is expected to open next summer.
Folks living in that part of the neighborhood have seen quite a lot of development over the past decade or so. I’m not sure if news of more will be met with excitement, anxiety, or just simple resignation. However, judging from a sign Seattle Bouldering Project had posted at the site (a sign which has since disappeared), they are trying to be good neighbors:
We are cognizant that as construction develops on the satellite building Fremont community members will have questions about our plan for parking. Right now, the parking appears more limited in scope than it will be when the project is complete. The plan is for parking to be housed at both the main location on Interlake Ave., North, and neighboring offsite lots.
We are also aware that the community will have questions about the noise levels to expect once we open our doors. This north satellite building will be a small and quiet bouldering only facility, with floors covered by thick padding. Bouldering by nature is not a loud activity. Our full fitness facility will be contained within the main Fremont building and will be well insulated from the outside. We will be mindful of sound and do not anticipate any noise to be a presence in the neighborhood.
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How interesting! This is in same area as Momentum Experience, Bala Yoga, Fuelhouse, Flow Fitness & 2 other CrossFit gyms!!!! ( c re c )
As a climber, I look forward to this. As a 60-something roped climber who’s afraid of heights, I’m ambivalent. But it’s all good. 🙂
However, this continuing land grab of Fremont calling areas of Wallingford its own …. this aggression must not stand! 😉 😉
It has been going on for a long time. Remember when Solid Ground was Fremont something & Fremont Food Bank? The Wallingford community actually revolted and got that changed. ( c re c- yes sour pickles)
Sour pickles?
yes, sour pickles
I don’t understand – was the food bank providing bad pickles?
very odd, even for her…
Isn’t this location in Wallingford? Seems developers are pushing Fremont into Wallingford.
Most of the South end of Stone Way is called Fremont by many these days. It’s practical since the commercial area with stores and restaurants are effectively extended from the bigger commercial area in Fremont, and far from what people typically considered Wallingford commercial core at 45th. Soon enough people would start to think Gas Works is in Fremont.
Not only do some people think of this location as “Fremont”, it’s in the “Fremont Hub Urban Village”, including both sides of Interlake up to 38th. I would imagine there are other city documents that show it as Wallingford – without any real conflict. Seattle neighborhoods don’t have real boundaries, except where geography forces one. It’s more like a radius, where the closest wins – but not a simple measurement from a specific point. Depending on your perspective, the neighborhood center might be the place where you and your neighbors can go for a variety of services and connections, and Wallingford is pretty well set up on 45th; Fremont on the other hand is more of an outside destination, which may be why the businesses coming in on Stone Way like to say they’re in Fremont, like – you know Fremont, you went through Fremont when you took the Duck tour. Some people in Wallingford like to say they live in Fremont, too. Who knows, takes all kinds.
Anyway, the fate of the building on the corner of Stone Way N and N 36th is not in doubt, those businesses will go, but I believe Stone Way Cafe is in a different lot and is not going to be demolished.
Amid new development- how is the re-opening of Goldie’s going? Lots of great sports going on right now for a local sports bar! ( c re c pickles and onions)
ok, i know what c re c means by now but wtf does “pickles and onions” mean? are you ok?
I think she’s upset at the food bank.
Does anybody know if they planning on using the existing building at 3535 Interlake Ave? Concerned they will tear it down and build something that blocks the view of the lake or downtown.