Historic Theater Eyed for Rock Climbing Gym

BELMONT, CA-A historic theater in Belmont may get new tenants after four years of vacancy. Santa Clara-based Planet Granite has approached the city planning department with preliminary designs to build rock-climbing facility, a yoga studio, a workout facility and a retail space. If the plan were approved, the project would take at least a year to complete.

The company will purchase the building, located at 100 El Camino, once they receive approval from both the planning commission and the city council, says DaGeissberger, a manager for Planet Granite. The initial plan also calls for raising the roof another 15 feet to allow for sufficient room for the climbing walls.

The preliminary plan was received well by the commission, says Kenn Parsons, commission chairman. Planet Granite, which has been eying the Peninsula area for some time, will return in January with additional ideas, says Geissberger.

The only thing left to decide on is what will happen to the historic sign outside the building. Locals would like to see it remain exactly how it is, preserving the historical charm it provides.