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Rock On! Seattle Bouldering Project Opens

Opening earlier this month, the highly-anticipated Seattle Bouldering Project transforms the corner of NE 45th and University Way NE with an incredible renovation years in the making.

“Dating back to 1912, the steel vault in the basement of the University National Bank building has held cash, coins and other valuables. But beyond the 3.5-foot-thick door, there are no longer riches in safe deposit boxes. Instead, there’s a 26-seat infrared sauna encased in glass with seating made of eucalyptus wood. Inside the building’s other vault are the cold plunges.” from The Seattle Times article, “How do you turn a bank into a climbing gym?”

Designed by architects the Beezer Brothers and built in 1912, this historic building was originally the home of the University National Bank and served as a bank location for 106 years until Wells Fargo closed its U District branch. In 2020, Hunters Capitol purchased the building with the vision to restore and revitalize it for the future, successfully nominating it for landmark status in 2021, and announced in July 2022 that Seattle Bouldering Project would expand its successful bouldering gym and fitness programs to this new U District location.

The new location features an expansive offering of 7,000 sq. ft. of bouldering walls, a beautiful yoga studio, co-working space, an open fitness area, and next-level amenities like a cold plunge and an infrared sauna inside giant bank vaults. This new location is set to be one of their most unique yet.

On Friday, November 22, 2024 – sign up for a membership or grab a day pass to enjoy the Grand Opening Party + Lights Out Climbing event between 6-10pm.

Learn more about the U District location and new membership offerings as part of the grand opening (including a two-week intro pass) by visiting boulderingproject.com.

Location images courtesy of Seattle Bouldering Project