Friends of ASCEND - Over the past few months, we’ve finalized various design and engineering packages, applied for a building permit, and finalized our funding. It’s been busy and exciting, and we’re overjoyed to tell you that general construction is set to begin in only a few weeks! Meanwhile, Walltopia and Flashed have just begun production and are working toward installing the best climbing walls and climbing flooring that Pittsburgh has ever seen! And at the end of the day, that’s what this project is all about… stellar climbing in the heart of the city.

Curious to know where we’ll be located? The Duquesne Brewing Company, founded in 1899 and active through the 1960s, was one of the top 10 breweries in the nation and used to call our building home. Following the end of WWII, the brewery was in its heyday, highlighted by record sales and its flagship beer, “Duke”, winning a statewide popularity contest. Unfortunately, DBC had a few rough years dealing with fierce competition and a 103-day Pittsburgh area brewing workers strike, one that nearly crippled every Pittsburgh brewery’s ability to compete on a national level. In an attempt to rebuild the brand and sales, DBC invested in three new buildings next to its massive brewhouse complex, including a state-of-the-art bottling facility. And it’s in that bottling facility that ASCEND has found the ideal spot to put down roots and begin a climbing renaissance in Pittsburgh!

We are thrilled to be part of the revitalization of this historic area of the South Side. The block has seen its fair share of construction over the past few years and once complete the neighborhood will look and feel modern, yet rooted in its past. While designing our renovation, we chose to strive for the same effect - safe, clean, and contemporary, yet staying true to Pittsburgh’s industrial roots.

We’ve been in the space a lot recently and asked some very talented friends to take some photographs to capture the pre-construction condition. We hope you enjoy this first series of “before” shots of ASCEND’s home. We cannot wait to see the transformation and share it with all of you!

Lastly, if you’re interested in extended membership options, please email [email protected] for more information.

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Stay tuned for the next info/photo-filled post and keep the psych high!