One of the most rapidly rising and trending terms being sought out on the Internet is “axe throwing,” and that rapid rise and the overwhelming success experienced by St. Joseph’s entry into that realm is fueling a major expansion for the Lumberjax Urban Axe Throwing enterprise.
Owner and operator Austin Bock has acquired the former Benson’s Carpet building sandwiched between the St. Joseph McDonald’s restaurant and Wendy’s at the corner of Niles Avenue and Gard in the Southtown neighborhood of the city.
Bock is gearing up for renovations at 2808 Niles Avenue which will feature multiple targets in caged lanes, bleachers for those watching and awaiting their turn in the competition, and more.
In addition to the rapidly rising excitement that axe throwing competition has sparked, Bock is planning the eventual inclusion of a “rage room” — The Smash Room — in the next couple of months. A rage room is essentially an enclosed space or room, wherein guests can spend 10 to 15 minutes smashing items like glass plates, cups, and old computers and TVs with a baseball bat, crowbars and other tools what might otherwise hurt you while wearing a protective hazmat suit.
LumberJax Urban Axe Throwing initially opened for business in the last week of June last year in the basement of Bock’s downtown business enterprise, Bound for Freedom at 404 State Street in the city’s central business district. It has been an overwhelming success, attracting not only individuals and team building events, but an ever-growing line up of league competitions that run for weeks on end.
The World Axe Throwing League has been on fire for months now, and Bock’s two-lane emporium downtown has seen a steady stream of customers not only from leagues but from corporate events, groups, and just friends giving the sport a whirl. Bock’s wife, Kelsey, calls it “A sport for all ages and types of groups,” and says they are excited for the new major expansion into Southtown St. Joe.
The targeted grand opening is tentatively slated for early to mid-April, pending the pace of renovations and prep work for the new Lumberjax Urban Axe Throwing center on Niles Avenue in St. Joe. Kelsey says, “We’re excited and hope to be up and running as soon as possible!” Stay tuned.
