RDA Board Approves USA Climbing Agreement Without Business Plan Review

12 Jul, 2024

RDA Board Approves USA Climbing Agreement Without Business Plan Review

Description: The RDA Board approved USA Climbing's plan to build a new HQ and national training center in the Rio Grande District at 310 S. 500 West. This project aims to stimulate development in the Station Center Rio Grande District. The agreement includes a discounted land lease and $7.3 million toward construction costs but faced delays due to controversy within the climbing community.

Concerns arose over the center’s revenue model, which includes selling memberships and day passes, upsetting local gym owners and the national climbing community. Despite the lack of a completed operating pro-forma review, the Board approved the term sheet with a 4-1 vote. District 5’s Darin Mano, the lone dissenter, questioned the specific performance measures for neighborhood activation and the implications if USA Climbing fails to meet its commitments. RDA staff assured that actions such as filing a breach of contract, terminating the lease, and seeking damages are in place if USAC doesn’t deliver.

The project, estimated to cost $30 million, includes a primary structure around 65-75 feet tall with a 45,000 sf footprint. RDA staff will finalize the agreement with USAC in the coming months, aiming to break ground in 2025 and complete the project before the LA 2028 Olympic Games.