DDA Plan of Development Progress: Q3 2025

Downtown Plan of Development Progress: Q3 2025

Downtown Cheyenne continues to evolve as a vibrant, community-focused district. Here’s a look at the latest progress on key projects and initiatives from the Downtown Plan of Development:

City & Catalyst Projects

• Downtown Asset Inventory: Knowing what assets exist is critical to planning for downtown’s future. City Engineering summer interns helped catalog items like planters, benches, bike racks, and more. This inventory provides the foundation for implementing Plan of Development actions and prioritizing investments strategically. The next steps are looking at the inventory and finding gaps, reconfiguring placement, and determining long-term needs for downtown.
• On-Street Parking: Designs for downtown on-street parking are now 75% complete. After review and approval from City Engineering, the plan will move into phased implementation, starting with priority areas. This will improve accessibility, support businesses, and enhance the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike. For more information, contact the City of Cheyenne Project Manager, Paul Bellotti. 
• 15th Street Experience: The 15th Street Experience is moving forward with exciting updates! Drone footage of the railcars at Swan Ranch and a new site plan (showing railcars closer to the rail line) are now available on the Connect Cheyenne platform. Staff are exploring a potential holiday event to bring the space to life, which would involve a partnership between the City and local organizations. Additionally, a bid for Vintage Railcar Restoration has passed, with City Engineer Tom Cobb holding a kickoff meeting in early August. More updates and visuals will be shared soon.
• Pumphouse Park: After a July 3rd work session (video available on Connect Cheyenne), Council approved a resolution to sell the Pump House by January 14, 2026, with historic preservation requirements in place. If the property does not sell, demolition will occur. If you know of any potential investors interested in purchasing and restoring the Pump House, please reach out to the Cheyenne DDA or the City of Cheyenne Mayor's Office. 
• 4-Alley Project: The 4-Alley Project is a City of Cheyenne initiative, including four alleys within the Downtown District and two of the alleys outlined in the Plan of Development 1600 Alley Improvements. Originally scoped for three alleys in May 2024, the City project now includes four: the alley between Capitol Ave to Central Ave north of 21st St (behind St. Mary’s), alley between Central Ave and Warren Ave south of 17th St (behind Sanford’s), alley north of 18th Street from Warren Ave to House, and the alley north of 16th Street from Central Ave to Capitol Ave (by the Paramount Cafe). This City Engineering initiative focuses on infrastructure improvements that support safety, accessibility, and overall downtown vitality.
• The Hynds & the Hole: Council authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cheyenne LEADS to establish a Large Projects Gap Financing Program. Funded with $3.5 million in voter-approved 6th Penny Sales Tax revenues, the program is designed to revitalize long-vacant properties like the Hynds Building and the Hole. Potential uses for the Hynds and the Hole redevelopment include apartments, ground-floor retail or restaurants, and Class A office space. This program leverages public-private partnerships to stimulate downtown reinvestment, and the DDA is supporting LEADS in facilitating these transformative projects in any way we can.

Communications Plan

Downtown Cheyenne is a unique community, not just a collection of buildings. The DDA’s upcoming comprehensive communications plan and updated website will showcase the district’s unique energy, culture, and investment potential. Driven by West Edge (a Cheyenne-based firm located downtown), the key outcomes of this plan are:

• Awareness: Highlight downtown’s character, amenities, and opportunities for residents, visitors, and potential investors.
• Consideration: Provide practical information on DDA and other programs, tools, and incentives to help developers and business owners assess opportunities.
• Conversion: Guide interested partners to engage with the DDA and other stakeholders to bring new projects to life.

The plan launches with a kickoff summit in September and will focus on downtown revitalization information and efforts as well as promotion of the Downtown District overall. This strategic approach strengthens partnerships, reduces property vacancies, attracts investment, and builds a foundation of long-term success for all.

Planter Program

The 2025 summer planter season had its challenges (late planting due to our delayed RFP process, some theft, and hail damage) but the planters that thrived brought color and vibrancy to downtown streets. A huge thank-you to Air-O-Fresh Greenhouse for their dedication and flexibility! Looking ahead, a community survey in October will gather feedback on the program and help establish long-term goals, timelines, and budgets to ensure the planter program meets its goals of beautifying downtown and making the district a vibrant, welcoming place for all.

Together, these projects and initiatives are shaping a downtown Cheyenne that continues to grow, attract investment, and remain the heart of our community. Stay connected through Connect Cheyenne, Facebook, Instagram, or our email subscriber list and watch for updates on how you can engage with these exciting developments.