The More You NOLA: Off the wall
Since opening in August 2015, New Orleans Boulder Lounge (1746 Tchoupitoulas St.) has resurrected local rock-climbing. The indoor facility is the city’s first climbing destination since Climb Max closed its doors on Canal Boulevard more than 10 years ago.
The fitness complex is housed in the historic Cotton Press Building, originally built between 1880 and 1890.
New Orleans Boulder Lounge was co-founded by Tulane University alumni Daniel Bressler and Eli Klarman along with Kelsey Confreda, Andrew Dreis, Garret Mortensen and Andrew Weekes.
“We wanted to create something good for you with good people.”
— Garret Mortensen, general manager of New Orleans Boulder Lounge
“It took three years to get the project off the ground,” said general manager Garret Mortensen, who has been an avid rock climber since 2008.
When creating the space, Mortensen and company aimed to welcome visitors to a fitness-focused environment while building a local climbing community.
“Eli is passionate about promoting a community space, a physical and productive outlet. We wanted to create something good for you with good people — that was the intention,” said Mortensen.
The space’s moniker reflects its 2,500 square feet of walls designed for bouldering, a type of climbing typically done under heights of 20 feet and not requiring harnesses or ropes.
Focusing on bouldering made the space more accessible for climbers of all ages and experience levels.
“High ceilings are also required for other kinds of climbing, which are difficult to come by in New Orleans,” said Mortensen.
In addition to scaling the walls, patrons can also take daily yoga classes or snack on baked goods prepared by Breads on Oak (8640 Oak St.) in the venue’s cafe and lounge area.
Celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 6, New Orleans Boulder Lounge will offer two-for-one day passes until 7 p.m., followed by live music and refreshments at The Tchoup Yard (405 Third St.) until 10 p.m.
