Cheyenne officials plan $4M restoration of historic 1892 pump house building
April 26, 2025 | Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming
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During a recent work session, the Cheyenne City Council discussed significant updates regarding the historic Pumphouse building, which dates back to 1892. This meeting highlighted the building's architectural and historical importance, as well as plans for its potential restoration and repurposing.
The Pumphouse, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and constructed from sandstone, is one of the oldest surviving structures in Cheyenne. It originally served as a water pumping station, utilizing a Holly Duplex Steam Pump capable of producing two million gallons of water daily. Despite being taken offline in 1920, the building has retained much of its structural integrity, although it has suffered from neglect over the years.
Council members were presented with a detailed analysis of the building's current condition. While the roof shows signs of wear, the overall masonry is in surprisingly good shape, lacking the typical stress cracks seen in similar structures. This resilience suggests that the building could be a viable candidate for restoration, which could include replacing deteriorated windows and roofing materials with historically accurate replacements.
Plans for the site include a layout that accommodates office spaces and conference rooms, with provisions for parking and access from Ames Avenue. The estimated cost for the restoration project is approximately $4 million, which includes contingencies for unforeseen expenses. The council is considering various options for maintaining the building's historical features, such as potentially reinstating the original chimney or incorporating a modern interpretation of it.
The discussions also touched on the building's eligibility for listing on the National Historic Register, contingent upon the removal of later additions that detract from its historical value. This designation could provide additional funding opportunities for the restoration efforts.
As the council moves forward, the fate of the Pumphouse remains a topic of interest, with potential implications for Cheyenne's cultural heritage and urban landscape. The next steps will involve further consultations with preservation experts and community stakeholders to ensure that any restoration efforts honor the building's rich history while adapting it for contemporary use.
The Pumphouse, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and constructed from sandstone, is one of the oldest surviving structures in Cheyenne. It originally served as a water pumping station, utilizing a Holly Duplex Steam Pump capable of producing two million gallons of water daily. Despite being taken offline in 1920, the building has retained much of its structural integrity, although it has suffered from neglect over the years.
Council members were presented with a detailed analysis of the building's current condition. While the roof shows signs of wear, the overall masonry is in surprisingly good shape, lacking the typical stress cracks seen in similar structures. This resilience suggests that the building could be a viable candidate for restoration, which could include replacing deteriorated windows and roofing materials with historically accurate replacements.
Plans for the site include a layout that accommodates office spaces and conference rooms, with provisions for parking and access from Ames Avenue. The estimated cost for the restoration project is approximately $4 million, which includes contingencies for unforeseen expenses. The council is considering various options for maintaining the building's historical features, such as potentially reinstating the original chimney or incorporating a modern interpretation of it.
The discussions also touched on the building's eligibility for listing on the National Historic Register, contingent upon the removal of later additions that detract from its historical value. This designation could provide additional funding opportunities for the restoration efforts.
As the council moves forward, the fate of the Pumphouse remains a topic of interest, with potential implications for Cheyenne's cultural heritage and urban landscape. The next steps will involve further consultations with preservation experts and community stakeholders to ensure that any restoration efforts honor the building's rich history while adapting it for contemporary use.
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