Wind City Physical Therapy to convert Casper church into pediatric clinic

The City of Casper's Planning and Zoning Commission convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss a significant transition for a local church property, which is set to be repurposed into a pediatric physical therapy clinic. The church, constructed in 1957, will hold its final service on April 27 before the property is sold to Wind City Physical Therapy, a local business seeking to expand its services.

The church's current zoning is R2, which primarily accommodates residential uses. However, the Municipal Code allows for conditional uses, such as professional offices, under certain circumstances. The proposed clinic will occupy the entire 6,202 square-foot building, which includes 20 off-street parking spaces. According to city staff, the clinic's operations, scheduled from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, are expected to have minimal impact on local traffic, as appointments will be spread throughout the day.

Daryl Wagner, treasurer of the church council, explained that the decision to sell was influenced by declining attendance and financial challenges. The new clinic aims to fill a gap in pediatric physical therapy services, which are currently unavailable in the area. The clinic plans to employ up to five therapists, including specialists in pediatric treatment, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.

Community feedback has been largely positive, with local residents expressing support for the clinic's establishment. The commission received no public opposition during the meeting, and the proposal was met with approval from the members present. The conditional use permit is a necessary step for the sale to proceed, ensuring that the property continues to serve a community need rather than remaining vacant.

In conclusion, the transition from a church to a pediatric physical therapy clinic represents a significant shift in land use that aligns with community health needs. The Planning and Zoning Commission's approval of the conditional use permit marks a proactive step towards enhancing local healthcare services while maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood. The next steps will involve finalizing the sale and ensuring compliance with the conditions set forth by the commission.