What's Next for Cleveland Rocks? Ohio City's Climbing Gym Faces Auction
Liam Cutwater · September 20, 2026
Cleveland Rocks, Ohio City's beloved climbing gym, faces auction—what's next for this iconic community hub?
Cleveland Rocks—the indoor climbing gym that transformed an old Masonic temple in Ohio City into a vertical playground for locals—now faces its own uphill battle. With the property headed for auction and its future uncertain, Cleveland’s climbing community holds its breath for what could be the most important ascent of all.
The Building: Ohio City's Tallest Adventure
Ask any local about Cleveland Rocks and they’ll mention the jaw-dropping climbing walls and that iconic, almost fortress-like temple on Franklin Boulevard. The 29,000 square foot space wasn’t built for bouldering originally, but you’d never know it. Heavy-duty steel beams, custom-painted walls, and rooms filled with climbers staking claim add up to a community staple that’s impossible to replicate. Turning this labyrinth back into something else? It'll take serious time, cash, and vision.
The Auction: What’s Happening and Why Now
Officially, the auction closes on September 22, with a starting price just over $1 million. That’s partially because the property got tangled in debt, with over $2 million owed between city loans, the county, and the bank. After foreclosure in February, it’s been in receivership. Staff is still running things day-to-day, but the countdown is on.
- Auction managed by George Roman Auctioneers
- Deadline: September 22
- Minimum bid: $1M+
It’s Not Just About the Climbing
Climbers will tell you it’s more than a gym. Over the last few years, Cleveland Rocks created a true hangout: folks swapping beta, training together, or just looking to challenge gravity with friends. Despite earlier management struggles, the current staff rebuilt trust and a community vibe that made this place unforgettable.
"They did so much work, created a really beautiful space for people to find community." – Former staffer Maggie Butterfield
Will Cleveland’s Climbing Scene Survive?
General Manager Chase Clifford and the team aren’t giving up hope. They’re running a profitable operation now, even if that old debt looms large. Whoever buys the building will have to decide: keep it a climbing gym (with all those custom walls) or spend big to convert it into something else? For the hundreds of Clevelanders who got their start on those walls, losing Cleveland Rocks would leave a crater in the city’s fitness and social scene.
What’s Next and How Can You Support
As of now, Cleveland Rocks is still open—ropes up, walls chalked, community intact. Want to help? Go climb. Bring a friend. Show the next owner this spot is worth saving. And if you know a millionaire with a passion for vertical living—now’s the time to call in a favor!
If you care about Cleveland’s offbeat, locally owned spots, keep your eyes peeled. No matter how this shakes out, we’ll be following the story, one hold at a time.