Zenith Climbing Center to relocate to south side

Zenith Climbing Center LLC is building a new facility in preparation for moving to the south side.

Owners Audrey and Everett Pauls, who are married, and Jamie Strong, Audrey's sister, say a March 1, 2027, opening date is targeted for the facility at 5601 S. Robberson Ave.

"We're moving from our current location to a location that we will own," Audrey said.

Strong added, "That is essentially the primary reason is we wanted to be our own landlord."

The project includes breaking down existing climbing walls and relocating them to the south-side building.

Butler Construction Management LLC is general contractor for the project designed by architect Geoffrey Butler, said Everett. Strong said the cost is an estimated $2.5 million.

Grading has been conducted on the site, Everett said. He said the building would span about 14,000 square feet.

"There's a better flow for our new space," Everett says, noting the current space is essentially one giant room.

Zenith Climbing Center got its start in 2016 at 3534 E. Sunshine St., according to Springfield Business Journal archives.