After years of planning, lots of exploration, multiple designs and tons of negotiation, First Ascent, Chicago’s first and only indoor rock climbing focused gym and training center broke ground on their new center on October 15, 2014. Although the overcast Fall day was a touch cold, the spirits and enthusiasm of approximately 50 attendees was nothing but bright and warm. First Ascent’s team of Dan Bartz, Jon Shepard, Joe Zentmeyer, and Dave Hudson, led the event and highlighted in their remarks how hard they have worked to arrive at this dreamed for day, while also praising their investors, lenders, the City of Chicago and specifically Alderman Ray Colon, real estate and design consultants, and contractor. Each participant was encouraged to participate in this communal event by grabbing a hard hat and shovel and dig into the site of the future gym.

The amazing celebration of this monumental event continued with a special party thrown at Revolution Brewery Tap Room located a literal stones throw away from the site. In classic climbing style, nothing paired better than pizza, beer and grand stories of the days accomplishments.

work.shop is honored to have been selected to be part of the First Ascent team to provide real estate and construction overview consultancy. Grand Opening is only a couple months away.