Central Rock Gym (CRG) has expanded its presence with the launch of its new location in Troy, New York, which opened on July 12, 2025. Founded by Ed and Joe Hardy, CRG began its journey in 2009 with its first gym in Worcester, Massachusetts. Since then, the chain has rapidly grown to include 30 locations across six states, including the recent openings in Troy and Fort Myers, Florida.
Regional Manager Chandra Morgan noted that the Troy gym has been a long-awaited project. CRG established its first Upstate New York location in Syracuse in 2017, followed by gyms in Rochester and Buffalo in 2019. Observing a gap in the market between the Hadley, Massachusetts location and Syracuse, local staff members advocated for a gym in Troy.
Ed Hardy expressed that CRG had been seeking a proper site in the Albany/Troy region since 2019 but faced challenges in finding an ideal property for a purpose-built gym. Following a pause during the pandemic, the team resumed their search in 2022, eventually teaming up with a developer focused on revitalizing downtown Troy. The developer shared an enthusiasm for integrating a climbing gym into their vision for the area.
Located just six miles north of Albany, the CRG Troy gym aims to serve the wider Albany market. Morgan highlighted that the gym is part of a more extensive revitalization project for Troy, which includes enhancements along the Troy waterfront as part of the Flanigan Square Transformation Project. This initiative has brought new developments like office spaces, apartments, a wedding venue, and grocery stores, with more businesses anticipated in the coming years.
The new gym offers 16,000 square feet of climbing terrain, featuring 250 linear feet of bouldering and 45-foot roped walls. Additional amenities include a Tension Board 2, Kilter Board, campus boards, hangboards, and dedicated spaces for yoga and fitness classes. The custom design emphasizes an industrial aesthetic, complemented by exposed brick and large windows overlooking the river.
With a comprehensive range of offerings, including birthday parties and various climbing classes, CRG Troy stands as a vibrant addition to the community. As Ed Hardy noted, the transformation of downtown Troy has been remarkable, making the new facility an integral part of the city’s revitalization efforts.
