‘Therapeutic’ space for customers to smash objects coming to Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Have you ever wanted to let out your anger by smashing something? A “therapeutic” space for guests to do just that is coming to Columbus for the first time.

The Wrecking Company is a “rage room” moving into 234 S. 4th St., located on the same block facing the bulldozer as Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace and 16-Bit Bar+Arcade. The rage room would be not one of the buildings taken down by the proposed demolition.

A rage room allows visitors to rent out a space to break objects in a safe and controlled environment. The Wrecking Room will be first the business of its kind in Columbus. Owner Kate Zenger explained how this unusual activity is appealing to customers.

“It’s a place where people can let off some steam,” Zanger said. “They definitely can come in if they’re angry. I think it’s very therapeutic, but it’s also just a really fun experience to have with friends, a date, coworkers or anybody like that.”

With the stressors of everyday life, Zanger said an outlet to let off some steam can help get the endorphins going. She said many people are conditioned early on in life not to let their anger show.

“I think a lot of us are told from a young age to really keep our temper hidden and hide a lot of our daily stressors, especially women,” Zanger said. “To be given this permission to let loose, to scream, to break things, to throw things is such a relief.”

At The Wrecking Company, guests can customize their own playlist, get equipped with safety gear and head into one of its three rage rooms to start smashing. Objects that can be smashed include wine, liquor and beer bottles, keyboards and old cellphones. For those willing to pay a bit extra, things like flat screen TVs, computer monitors and even printers can be destroyed.

Prices at The Wrecking Company vary depending on the experience. A solo room for people who want to get in and out costs $20 plus taxes and fees. The larger rooms for groups cost $35 per person plus taxes and fees. There are a variety of add-ons ranging from $3 to $25.

Everyone who visits The Wrecking Company is required to fill out a waiver. Those 18 and older can participate, and those 15 and up are allowed if they are accompanied by a guardian who will fill out a waiver for them.

Zanger hopes The Wrecking Company will be open sometime in October. She said its hours will be varied at first, open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, 3 to 11 p.m. on Fridays, 12 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

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