Touchstone has announced they will be taking over a dilapidated manufacturing building in West Oakland, California. The Pacific Pipe Company building on the corner West Grand and Mandela Parkway has been vacant for decades. Touchstone Climbing announced on their blog plans to restore and convert the former factory into their latest climbing gym. “We love celebrating the history of our cities, and we’re especially stoked to revitalize this decades-long abandoned space while maintaining its industrial roots.”
The floor plan for Pacific Pipe is 55,500 sq. ft.—over double the size of Berkeley Ironworks, which is currently the largest climbing gym in the East Bay. In addition to offering bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing, Pacific Pipe will also house yoga and fitness programs as determined by the needs of the local community.
“We’re thrilled to be part of a community as passionate and welcoming as West Oakland,” says Heather Bellgreen, Touchstone’s Marketing Director. “We’re looking forward to creating a cutting-edge gym for climbers and non-climbers alike, and we can’t wait to provide programs that will serve our neighborhood to the fullest.”
Touchstone is hoping for a 2020 opening date. After their previously announced gyms in North Berkeley and Pasadena, Pacific Pipe will be Touchstone Climbing’s 15th gym in California.
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