Cheyenne Moves Forward with $22 Million Municipal Building Overhaul
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cheyenne city officials are advancing a phased plan to replace the aging Municipal Building and construct a new facility dedicated to City Council operations. The project, estimated at $22 million, is slated to appear on the 2026 Sixth Penny sales tax ballot for voter approval.
Concerns about the current building, constructed in the 1970s, prompted the initiative. A City Council work session on January 30 highlighted significant infrastructure issues, including a broken elevator that has been out of service for almost a month due to unavailable parts, and electrical problems that pose operational risks. Public Works Director Vicki Nemecek detailed how past maintenance efforts have been largely superficial fixes.
Nemecek explained that the building’s HVAC system is uneven, with some offices reaching 80 degrees while others remain at 59. She also cited an incident last year where a power outage revealed switchgear issues, hindering a quick restart of building systems. The electrical capacity is limited to the point that restroom renovations couldn’t include hand dryers.
The proposed plan, developed by Plan One Architects and Essenza Architecture, prioritizes the construction of a new council building to the northeast of the existing site. This would allow city operations to continue with minimal disruption during the major renovations to the Municipal Building. Schematic designs for both buildings are expected to be completed by late March, with construction of the council building anticipated to begin in late summer.
During discussions, council members addressed the balance between security enhancements and public accessibility. Councilor Mark Moody expressed concern that overly strict security measures could create a perception of unwelcomeness for constituents. He noted feedback from residents worried about limited access to the building.
The design of the new council chambers also drew scrutiny. Councilor Pete Laybourn suggested the proposed high dais setup resembled a courtroom bench, potentially creating an intimidating atmosphere for citizens addressing the council. He advocated for a design that fosters a more approachable and friendly environment.
City Chief of Staff Amber Ash clarified the logistical aspects of acquiring the land for the new council building. She confirmed the city has submitted a letter of intent and is navigating the approval process with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The overall construction timeline is contingent upon receiving federal approvals.
The design team engaged council members in a “visioning exercise” to gather feedback on architectural styles and interior finishes. The team intends to incorporate this input into updated schematic designs expected in the coming weeks. The project is one of eleven initiatives included on the 2026 Sixth Penny Tax list.
In related news from October 14, 2025, the Cheyenne City Council approved nearly $3.3 million in spending for renovations to the Municipal Building and the Historic Depot.
on February 2, 2026, the Cheyenne City Council reviewed conceptual renderings of the renovation project.
