Steven Charles stands outside the Rocktown Climbing Gym, which has a large mural on its north-facing side.

The Rocktown Climbing Gym south of Bricktown is set to close next month following a decision by the property owner not to renew the gym's lease.

Steven Charles, who runs Rocktown and an associated nonprofit, Rocktown Youth, said he was informed this week the property owner, Mark Ruffin, was not willing to renew the lease after Jan. 1.

The future of the property was not publicly known Thursday. Charles said he was not given a reason for the eviction. Ruffin did not respond Thursday to inquiries by The Oklahoman.

“We've paid our bills. We've had no trouble. We've been model tenants,” Charles said, adding he was willing to consider a rent increase but was not given the chance.