Traffic signal boxes transform downtown Oklahoma City into open-air art

The climbing gym that once occupied a converted grain elevator in Bricktown will reopen this spring, returning a longtime local landmark to downtown Oklahoma City as the neighborhood braces for major development. The relaunch arrives at a moment when new stadium construction and entertainment projects are reshaping the area, promising more foot traffic and activity around the facility.

Former owner and founder Freddy Harth is leading the revival of the site formerly known as The Silos. He and his partners — former employee and later operator Aaron Gibson, along with their spouses Dawn Harth and Lisa Gibson — plan to open the facility under the name High Plains Climbing on May 1 at 200 SE 4.

The building began life as a grain elevator built in 1946 and was dormant for years before Harth converted it into a climbing space in 1999. That original conversion helped establish the site as an unlikely but enduring hub for climbers; customers often cite the location as where they first learned the sport and formed lasting connections.

After the gym closed last December, the ownership group set out to preserve the silo’s industrial character while making targeted upgrades to improve the climbing experience for both beginners and experienced climbers. Planned changes include removing rooftop telecommunications equipment to restore the tallest available outdoor climbing surfaces and converting additional interior elevator space into new routes.

• Reopening: High Plains Climbing — May 1
• Address: 200 SE 4, Bricktown
• New amenity: On-site yoga studio with classes beginning May 12
• Nearby developments: Within walking distance of Riversport Adventures; stadium construction under way, scheduled to open in 2028

What reopening means for downtown

Located north of the newly extended downtown segment of Interstate 40 and close to the Oklahoma River, the gym’s return comes as the neighborhood prepares for a sports and entertainment district centered around a new stadium slated to open in 2028. Developers are planning surrounding hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, which could increase visitor numbers to Bricktown and make the climbing gym part of a wider local draw.

Harth framed the reopening as both a nod to the site’s past and a step toward future growth. He said the reopening is also an operational reset: the partners have more experience and resources than in the gym’s early years, and they intend to bridge the gap until the broader redevelopment brings more activity to the immediate area.

The renovated facility will keep the silo’s distinctive look while adding amenities aimed at broadening its appeal. In addition to the yoga studio, the owners have already started selective refurbishments and expect to keep expanding climbing surfaces and route variety over time.

Community and continuity

Longtime climbers and newer visitors alike are likely to notice a familiar atmosphere paired with updated facilities. For many in the local climbing community, the site carries sentimental value as an entry point into the sport; the new ownership says one goal of the relaunch is to honor that legacy while making the space more accessible.

As Bricktown evolves, High Plains Climbing’s reopening offers a concrete example of how small-scale recreation businesses can intersect with larger urban projects. Whether the gym becomes a year-round destination for event crowds or primarily serves neighborhood residents will depend on how the surrounding developments proceed over the next few years.

Local residents and prospective visitors can expect classes and programs to roll out after opening day; the owners have highlighted an incremental approach to renovations, with further improvements planned as the area’s redevelopment continues.