How speed, simplicity, and vision produced the BedRock Climbing Facility
By Andrea Haerther
Climbing is more than just a sport—it’s a journey of perseverance, patience, and humility. As Jeremy Salyers, co-founder of BedRock Climbing Facility, says, “Climbing is a very humbling sport. There’s more failure than success. If you come into it with any sort of ego, it’s going to rip it out of you quickly.”
This mindset defined the vision that brought BedRock to life. While driving with his longtime friend, country music star Kip Moore, through Maui, windows down and music up, an idea sparked. Moore mentioned the idea of starting a surf hostel, and Salyers suggested the Red River Gorge as an ideal location.
Within months, BedRock was born. It’s a climbing hostel built to create a space for passionate climbers in Kentucky’s rugged and beautiful Red River Gorge. The dream didn’t stop there. Salyers and Moore soon realized they needed an additional space: a dedicated, world-class training facility separate from the lodge. It would have to be quick to build, customizable, and durable enough to endure years of intense training.
The Challenge
The founders envisioned a space that would feel essential to climbers. It needed to be a vibrant, functional training area—full of natural light and with plenty of room for climbing equipment. At the same time, the facility had to be constructed quickly without disrupting BedRock’s existing operations.
Salyers says, “We kind of needed a space that would be a great training space outside of the lodge, and the Simplisteel™ building was the perfect answer.”
The Solution
Simplisteel™, a rigid-frame metal building solution from Cornerstone Building Brands, turned BedRock’s dream into reality. The process was seamless, offering everything Salyers and Moore needed to make their vision a reality:
- Customization: Simplisteel™ gave Salyers complete control over the design, from the strategic placement of large windows for natural light to garage and entry doors for maximum functionality. “We were able to customize it,” he says. “I wanted a lot of natural light, and I could tell them where I wanted the windows, garage doors, and entrances. It was super simple.”
- Speed Of Construction: One of the standout features was the speed of the build. The 676-square-foot facility was erected in just four days. This quick turnaround minimized disruption to BedRock’s operations and allowed climbers to start using the facility almost immediately.
- Durability And Simplicity: Built with durable materials, the facility was designed to withstand heavy use and weather conditions while maintaining its simplicity and functionality.
The Construction Process
From concept to completion, the project ran like clockwork. Salyers worked closely with the Cornerstone Building Brands team to ensure the design aligned with BedRock’s goals. Materials were delivered efficiently, and the construction process unfolded seamlessly. In just four days, the Simplisteel™ building stood proudly on the property—a testament to speed, collaboration, and precision.
Salyers says, “We were so pleased with every step—from designing the building to delivery to communication. I’d highly recommend a Simplisteel™ building to anyone.”
The Results
Today, the new facility is a cornerstone of BedRock’s offering. Climbers walk into a bright, spacious, and inspiring environment filled with natural light. The clear-span design allows for flexibility in setting up climbing equipment, while the durable construction ensures the space will serve climbers for years to come. Salyers describes the vibe as being “on another level.”
“This is like a world-class space for a climber,” he says. “It’s like having your own wave in your backyard if you were a surfer.”
The new facility not only fulfills BedRock’s mission to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for climbers but also reinforces the founders’ vision for the Red River Gorge as a premier climbing destination.
“The building is the cherry on top,” Salyers adds. “It’s been a dream come true for me and Kip.”
Takeaways For Communities
The BedRock project offers valuable lessons for those seeking to develop community-focused spaces:
1. Speed matters. Simplified, modular solutions like Simplisteel™ minimize downtime and accelerate project completion.
2. Customization is key. Spaces tailored to specific needs, like maximizing natural light or flexible interiors, create better user experiences.
3. Collaboration drives success. Clear communication between owners, designers, and builders ensures a streamlined process.
4. Invest in durability. Long-term, low-maintenance solutions make projects sustainable for years to come.
Project Details
- Facility Name: BedRock Climbing Facility
- Location: Rogers, Ky.
- Cost: $20,000
- Square Footage: 676 sq. ft.
- Type of Facility: Rock-climbing training space
- Architectural Firm: SpringHill Woodworking Construction
- Lead Architect: Martin Wickey
- Status: Complete
- Construction Timeline: 4 days
With BedRock’s new training space now an integral part of the facility, Salyers and Moore’s vision of creating a unique, world-class climbing destination has become a reality. It’s proof that, with the right solution, even the most ambitious dreams can be achieved—simply and quickly.
Andrea Haerther is a marketing professional with more than five years of building-products industry experience. In her current role as content marketing representative at Cornerstone Building Brands, she specializes in copywriting and content creation aimed at delivering product information to customers and consumers.