RESOLUTION NO.______

ENTITLED: “A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE INITIATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHEYENNE HISTORIC FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR DOWNTOWN CHEYENNE.”

WHEREAS, the City of Cheyenne Planning Office is charged with long range planning

efforts for the City of Cheyenne, including the area referred to as Downtown Cheyenne; and WHEREAS, the City of Cheyenne is tasked with advancing Strategy No. 28 entitled

Implement Façade Improvement Program in the Historic Placemaking: Strategies for Invigorating Downtown Spring 2013; and

WHEREAS, the City Planning Office submitted and received a Certified Local Government

Grant (CLG) #56-13-00000.06 from the State Historic Preservation Office in the amount of $7,000 to develop a strategy to initiate and develop a façade improvement program for buildings located in Downtown Cheyenne historic districts; and

WHEREAS, the program is an incentive grant program which encourages and assists building

owners and businesses located in the Downtown Development Authority/Main Street District to improve exterior façades of downtown buildings while maintaining historic context and integrity, providing a sense of place, and increasing the economic vitality of Downtown Cheyenne; and

WHEREAS, the Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program is in partnership with the

City of Cheyenne, Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority/Main Street, Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board, State Historic Preservation Office, and the Wyoming Main Street Program, and implementation of this program will require the cooperation and assistance of these partner organizations: and

WHEREAS, the City of Cheyenne, the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority and the

Cheyenne-Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board have each allocated funding to the program for FY15;

WHEREAS, the Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program will stimulate private

investment in improvements that enhance the context and appearance of building and Downtown Cheyenne, promote economic growth, and foster downtown revitalization.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE

CITY OF CHEYENNE, WYOMING:

THAT, that the Governing Body recommends that the Historic Cheyenne Façade Improvement Program and draft documents be used as a tool to improve the economic vitality of Downtown Cheyenne by improving the condition and visual appearance of individual building facades and the overall image of Downtown Cheyenne.

PRESENTED, READ AND ADOPTED THIS ____ DAY OF ___________, 2014. ____________________________

Richard L. Kaysen, Mayor City of Cheyenne

(Seal) ATTEST: ____________________________ Carol A. Intlekofer, City Clerk

MEMORANDUM November 19, 2014

To: City Council Members City of Cheyenne 2101 O’Neil Avenue Cheyenne, WY 82001 Re: Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program Resolution

With respect to the resolution to acknowledge the initiation and development of the Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program, we are providing the draft documents outlining the program guidelines and administrative procedures for Council’s information. Please keep in mind that, with the inaugural year of the program, the materials are subject to modification and fine-tuning. Letters of support from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board (CHPB) are also included for your reference. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Matt Ashby or Jan Spires in the Planning Office at 637-6251.

A COMMUNITY OF CHOICE

PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT URBAN PLANNING OFFICE 2101 O’Neil Avenue, Suite 309, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 P307.637.6251 jspires@cheyennecity.org F307.637.6454

Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program (FIP)

Program Information & Guidelines

An incentive grant program to encourage and assist building owners and businesses to improve the exterior façade (front face) of their buildings located in the Downtown Development Authority/Main Street (DDA/MS) District to maintain historic context and integrity, provide a sense of place, and increase the economic vitality of Downtown Cheyenne.

Introduction

- Your storefront advertises your business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Maintaining and improving the physical appearance of buildings helps to increase property values, promotes the attraction and retention of business operations, and fosters economic investment in Downtown Cheyenne. The condition and appearance of downtown buildings also are the basis for the public’s impression of Downtown Cheyenne and contribute greatly to the overall image of the city. Bottom line: By strengthening locally owned businesses, we keep local dollars in Cheyenne!

Interested property owners of buildings in Downtown and businesses located in Downtown are eligible for the Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program (FIP). Property owners and businesses have the opportunity to apply for a grant to maintain and improve their buildings. Renovations and improvements that create a unique and attractive image for each business are encouraged. Projects should respect the historic context of Downtown and the integrity of the original design elements of the façade, as well as the design and integrity of neighboring buildings. By stimulating private investments in appropriate improvements that enhance the context and appearance of buildings and the Downtown, the program promotes economic growth and spurs downtown revitalization. The payoff for even the simplest repairs should not be underestimated.

Additional benefits of the FIP to the downtown and community as a whole: • Business development • Tax revenue increase • Property valuations increase • Jobs • Livability • Visual enhancement

Program Partners

The FIP has been initiated and developed in partnership with the following organizations: City of Cheyenne (City), Downtown Development Authority/Main Street Program (DDA/MS), Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board (CHPB), State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Wyoming Main Street Office (WMS).

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Observations of Downtown

Most building façades in Downtown Cheyenne are in good condition. While there are historic and non-historic buildings, small and large, the overall condition is above average for many Downtowns. The challenge is that Downtown Cheyenne is spread out, lending to the feel that some buildings are disconnected from one another. On the positive side, much of the work will deal with minimal maintenance, stabilization and securing windows and doors, and primary façade enhancements. The program will demonstrate a commitment to the protection of and the reinvestment in the Downtown as an important community resource. Successful implementation of the FIP will serve as a catalyst for additional support and a broader desire for bigger and more synergistic opportunities.

According to Historic Placemaking Strategies for Reinvigorating Downtown Cheyenne, Downtown offers many of the ingredients shared by vibrant downtowns, from historic structures to walkable streets to its strong employment base for business and government. There has been recent rehabilitation investment in historic structures, and property owners can contribute greatly to shaping (quite literally) downtown’s future. Downtowns succeed when they are true to their community’s identity; across the country, stewards of vibrant downtowns testify that the historic building stock is a key ingredient to creating a downtown with local character and flavor.

Program Description

To help increase downtown’s economic competitiveness, the program offers matching grant funds to property owners and businesses in the DDA/Main Street district to improve the condition and visual appearance of individual building facades and the overall image and look of the district. Grant funds will focus on exterior work to building façades and must be visible from the public rights-of-way and improve the building’s condition and appearance when seen from public streets.

The program seeks to enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Cheyenne by:

1. Enhancing its commercial success by ensuring a pleasant experience for business patrons and visitors.

2. Providing an attractive, comfortable place for people to shop, work, live and socialize. 3. Preserving its unique character and history. 4. Compliment other revitalization and economic development efforts. 5. Identifying buildings hiding behind false fronts and encouraging their renovation to once again

be fully contributing members of downtown’s streetscape.

The program will be guided by the DDA/MS Design Committee to make recommendations and be advisory to the City of Cheyenne and DDA/MS. The program will be administered through cooperation of the City of Cheyenne, DDA/MS, CHPB, SHPO and WMS, led by a Project Administrator. Committee members will include project partner representatives and individuals from the architectural/design community. The application process is intended to be business-friendly, easy to use and offers the opportunity to opt-out should the Applicant change their mind.

To ensure the program and property owner’s investment in the building, the property owner agrees to maintain the façade in good condition for a period of five (5) to eight (8) years after completion of the façade through a Façade Easement Agreement based on the extent of the investment.

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Boundary

Structures in the Expanded Downtown Historic District (Priority Area 1) will receive priority consideration. The following are the priority areas for this program, with the Priority Focus Area highlighted on the map below:

Priority Area 1: Expanded Historic District

Priority Area 2: Central Business District

Priority Area 3: DDA District Boundary

Note: Buildings located outside the DDA/MS District boundary will not be considered under this program. A map that details the three distinct Priority Areas is attached.

Priority Focus Area

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Eligible Improvements

Program funds can be used by property owners to pay costs related to the improvement of the primary façades on public ways. Secondary street or alley façades may be considered. Costs may include labor, materials, and engineering or architectural services. All work on buildings located in the Downtown Cheyenne National Register Historic District or identified as contributing or potentially contributing on any historic survey shall meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

According to the National Park Services’ Technical Preservation Services: “The intent of the Standards is to assist the long-term preservation of a property's significance through the preservation of historic materials and features. The Standards pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy and encompass the exterior and interior of the buildings. They also encompass related landscape features and the building's site and environment, as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction. To be certified for Federal tax purposes, a rehabilitation project must be determined by the Secretary to be consistent with the historic character of the structure(s), and where applicable, the district in which it is located.”

Eligible improvements include but may not be limited to:

• Masonry cleaning and repair in accordance with National Park Service (NPS) Preservation Briefs

• Parapet wall and cap repair • Patching and painting of façade walls • Repair or replacement and painting of wood or metal trim or architectural details • Window/door replacement/repair • Lighting repair/replacement • Repair/replacement of gutters and rain spouts • Cornice repair/restoration • Canopy, porch, window awning installation/repair/replacement • Removal/relocation of exterior utility services • Railings/ironwork, repair or addition • Debridement/removal of abandoned hardware, signage, debris from façade • Repair of historic signs • Removal of abandoned signs

Things To Keep In Mind For A More Successful Application

1. Creativity is encouraged, while maintaining the context and integrity of the Downtown. Consideration should be given as to how the project will impact the vitality of Downtown Cheyenne.

2. If your building has historic or aesthetic merit, improvements should be consistent with and complimentary to the important elements relative to style, form and materials as much as possible.

3. Identify and preserve your building’s distinguishing elements. 4. Façades should relate to their surroundings and provide a sense of cohesiveness without strict

uniformity. Project should demonstrate contextual sensitivity with respect to materials, colors,

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massing, lighting/signage. They should also strive to be pedestrian friendly in design, detail and transparency.

5. All improvements must be compatible with applicable zoning codes, satisfy permit requirements and conform to any other regulatory requirements.

Handy References

• Design Guidelines for Downtown Cheyenne • City Reference Documents: Streetscape/Urban Design Elements Handbook and Unified

Development Code (Article 6.7) • National Park Service (NPS) Preservation Briefs (www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve) • Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation (www.nps.gov/tps/standards) • Review Criteria Worksheet available upon request

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PROJECT CATEGORY Which Category of Improvements & Funding Level Applies to My Building(s)?

Category of Improvements

Description Source of Funds

General Exterior Cleanup Goal: To generate awareness and pride in the buildings and the community.

Removal of abandoned signage, abandoned hardware, abandoned utility fixtures. Removal of non-historic, non-functioning fixtures. Removal, repair of exterior utility services.

Fund: Reimbursement Grant, 60% match by owner of improvement costs.

Minimal Maintenance & Security Goal: To protect the integrity and prevent deterioration of the building. Ensure building is secure, stable and functional.

No bare wood, rusting metal. Masonry repointing, cleaning, replacement of missing brick. Secure doors and windows. Removal of secondary siding, architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior materials and finishes. Exterior painting, re-siding, professional cleaning. Roofing integrity validated.

Fund: Reimbursement Grant, 40% match by owner of improvement costs. Note: If completing Level I and Level II improvements consecutively, grant match by owner will be 40% for both categories.

Restoration & Enhancement Goal: To improve the economic viability of the building.

Storefront enhancements which may include: Restoration or enhancement of the front façade, secondary façade (side or alley-face of building if visible from a public right-of-way). Window and/or door repair or replacements or modifications; cornice repair, replacement. Vacant buildings being converted into active use. All work shall be in keeping with Secretary of the Interior Standards for historic buildings.

Fund: Reimbursement Grant, 35% match by owner of improvement costs. Note: If completing Level I, II and III improvements consecutively, owner grant match will be 35% for all three categories.

Revised 11-18-14

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Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program (FIP)

Administrative Procedures - What You Need to Know

Review and Preparation

Step 1: Pre-Application Conference/Preliminary Application

The Cheyenne Historic Façade Improvement Program (FIP) is intended to support façade improvements to commercial and mixed-use properties. Properties that are 100% residential are not eligible for this program. Preliminary focus area for the first round pilot program will be the Expanded Downtown Historic District.

Applicants must be a property or business owner of the property being proposed for façade renovations. Business owners interested in initiating a project will need to discuss the project with the property owner and must obtain written permission from the property owner to apply. The property owner agrees to maintain the façade in good condition for a period of five (5) years to eight (8) years after completion of the façade, in accordance with the Façade Easement Agreement and based on the extent of the investment.

To encourage Downtown’s economic vitality and to ensure you receive the maximum funding for the project, the proposed improvements must adhere to the design guidelines and standards applicable to the DDA/Main Street District. Design standards provide recommendations regarding the proper assessment, prioritization and implementation of the work on your project. Any dangerous or hazardous conditions must be abated and made to comply with all City of Cheyenne Building Codes. Applicants submitting an application will have the opportunity to opt-out of the program, should they determine they cannot make the stated improvements.

All applicants must meet with the Program Administrator and DDA/MS Design Committee representatives for a pre-application conference to discuss the property proposed for façade renovations, to review the program process and to discuss if you have a preferred architect to work with on the project. Program Administrator and DDA/MS Design Committee representatives will conduct a visit to the property to assess whether the proposed renovation matches the current available budget of the program. Any structural building issues should be resolved before applying for the FIP. Additionally, a structural review may be required with a more extensive project due to the size of the investment and to help anticipate any other code issues or City requirements that might influence the project. Similarly, to protect your investment and assure its security, the roof of the property must be in good repair with no existing decay, deterioration or damage and shall be weather tight. Applicant may provide a letter of certification from a certified roofing company as to condition and life expectancy.

Once the pre-application review is completed, the Program Administrator will issue a Letter to Proceed so that your project can advance to Step 2, or, in the alternative, will issue a

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Letter of Recommendation to help determine if there are other programs and assistance better suited for your project. Eligible projects will then be forwarded to the DDA/MS Design Committee to initiate the formal review process.

Step 2: Prepare Application

Application packets must consist of the following:

□ Building Inventory Worksheet (this will be completed in advance by the Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board);

□ Completed and signed Application Form to include match commitment;

□ Signed and notarized Letter of Property Owner Consent ;

□ Proof of ownership (deed with County Clerk File Stamp);

□ Proof of insurance;

□ County property tax receipts & current year paid; and

□ Your vision statement for the project.

Once the Application is reviewed and complete, the Program Administrator will forward the packet to the DDA/MS Design Committee for review.

The DDA/MS Design Committee will be comprised of representatives from DDA/MS, City of Cheyenne, Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board and local architect/design professionals. A conference with the Applicant will be coordinated by the Program Administrator with the DDA/MS Design Committee and Program Administrator to discuss design guidelines/standards, general development concepts, planning issues and policies for the property/building. The committee will consider and review complete and verified applications to determine which projects are eligible to advance the Step 3: Design Phase & Cost Estimates based upon the Pre-Review questions on the Review Criteria Worksheet.

Step 3: Design Phase & Cost Estimates

During this phase of the program, specific façade designs are created for each advancing project.

An Architect/Design Professional is hired to prepare renderings and collect samples of proposed materials. The Applicant has the option to choose their own architect and agrees to pay for the design services. Alternatively, the Program Administrator will coordinate design services for owners wanting to participate in a Group Design Effort project to be paid all or in part (as determined) through the FIP program. The Program Administrator will issue

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the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for architectural services on behalf of the participating buildings.

Once an architect is on board, the Program Administrator will coordinate a meeting between the applicant and the DDA/MS Design Committee to review the proposed vision for the project and work with the Applicant to develop a façade improvement program for the building.

Design Professional will provide to Applicant for review:

1. Typed summary of proposed façade renovations with color photographs (digital) of existing conditions.

2. Architect’s work proposal including a detailed cost estimate and a copy of the architectural renderings (to scale). Architect must separately identify work in the following two categories: a) Minimal maintenance improvements and b) Enhancement improvements.

3. Samples of proposed materials and colors.

Applicant identifies the preferred scale of improvements they intend to pursue.

All of the design and cost estimates prepared in Step 3 are to be submitted to the Program Administrator in accordance with an established deadline. All information will then be forwarded to the DDA/MS Design Committee.

DDA/MS Design Committee Review, Approval & Budget Allocation

The Applicant/Architect will present the project design to the DDA/MS Design Committee for consideration. The committee then will complete the Review Criteria Worksheet to assist in prioritizing funding in the event that multiple quality projects are submitted.

The DDA/MS Design Committee will evaluate the proposal and will:

• Approve, deny or request revisions to the proposal; • Determine the stipulations of a proposal approval; • Create special exceptions to program standards; and • Allocate/divide available budget per project period to the identified projects.

Contractor’s Estimates Submitted & Reviewed

Applicant to secure at minimum two (2) bids for each component, i.e. general construction, doors and windows, awnings and canopies, signage, etc. from licensed contractors. Grant amount is based on the lowest responsible bid submitted. The Applicant may elect to proceed with the higher bid and pay the difference in cost from the lower bid received.

Applicant will review and select contractor. Applicant still has option to proceed, scale back, revise or withdraw their application.

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Grant Allocation/Letter of Final Award

Applicants completing Step 3: Design & Cost Estimates are eligible to receive, subject to available program funding, a grant of up to 65% of the total façade construction cost. The DDA/MS Design Committee will determine the amount of match required based upon the extent of work (see Project Category table below). A Letter of Award will be provided to the Applicant. Note: Applicant has final opportunity to opt-out at this juncture.

PROJECT CATEGORY Which Category of Improvements & Funding Level Applies to My Building(s)?

Category of Improvements

Description Source of Funds

General Exterior Cleanup Goal: To generate awareness and pride in the buildings and the community.

Removal of abandoned signage, abandoned hardware, abandoned utility fixtures. Removal of non-historic, non-functioning fixtures. Removal, repair of exterior utility services.

Fund: Reimbursement Grant, 60% match by owner of improvement costs.

Minimal Maintenance & Security Goal: To protect the integrity and prevent deterioration of the building and ensure it is secure, stable and functional.

No bare wood, rusting metal. Masonry repointing, cleaning, replacement of missing brick. Secure doors and windows. Removal of secondary siding, architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior materials and finishes. Exterior painting, re-siding, professional cleaning. Roofing integrity validated.

Fund: Reimbursement Grant 40% match by owner of improvement costs. Note: If completing Level I and Level II improvements consecutively, grant match by owner will be 40% for both categories.

Restoration & Enhancement Goal: To improve economic viability of the Building

Storefront enhancements which may include: Restoration or enhancement of the front façade, secondary façade (side or alley-face of building if visible from a public right-of-way). Window and/or door repair or replacements or modifications; cornice repair, replacement. Vacant buildings being converted into active use. All work shall be in keeping with Secretary of the Interior Standards for historic buildings.

Fund: Reimbursement Grant 35% match by owner of improvement costs. Note: If completing Level I, II and III improvements consecutively, owner grant match will be 35% for all three categories.

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Step 4: The Agreement

Once the grant amount has been determined and confirmed, the Program Administrator will begin the process of securing a written Façade Easement Agreement for the Applicant’s signature. The Agreement will detail the amount of the grant, the scope of work and timeframe for project completion, not to exceed 12 consecutive months, and the terms of reimbursement. Applicant also agrees, through a façade easement to be held by the City of Cheyenne, to maintain the façade in good condition for a minimum of five (5) to eight (8) years after completion of the façade, based on the extent of the investment. The Façade Easement Agreement will be recorded with the Laramie County Clerk’s Office.

The Program Administrator, in consultation with program partners, must approve any revisions to the scope of work and/or schedule. All signed copies of the Agreement will be returned to Program Administrator, along with a Certificate/Proof of Insurance naming the City of Cheyenne as an additional insured. Final approval of the Façade Easement Agreement rests with the Governing Body of the City of Cheyenne.

Unless otherwise agreed to by the Applicant and the Program Administrator, the date of the Agreement is considered to be the start date for the approved work to be completed. Important: Façade work executed prior to the start date of the Agreement is NOT eligible for funding under this program.

Step 5: Building Permits

The Applicant and/or Contractor is responsible for obtaining and payment of the necessary building licenses and permits from the Cheyenne Building Department, 2101 O’Neil Avenue, Room 202, (307) 637-6265.

Step 6: Construction Begins

Upon final execution of the Agreement, the Applicant may begin construction of the approved façade work. The Agreement provides that façade work must be completed within 12 months of the effective date of the Agreement; extensions may be provided for extenuating circumstances. A Progress Report will be requested quarterly, or as described in the agreement, to help ensure the project is on track.

Step 7: Project Completion

As identified in the Agreement, the Applicant must notify the Program Administrator about the project completion timeframe. All punch list items must be completed before acceptance. Notification should be followed by a submission of the original invoices marked Paid in Full, cancelled checks and other documentation as the Program Administrator may require. The Program Administrator will inspect the property and certify that all work has been completed in accordance with the Agreement. Final payment/reimbursement will then be remitted within 45 days.

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Step 8: Reimbursement/Final Payment

Once all financial documents have been submitted and successfully reviewed, reimbursement will be remitted via check in the USPS mail or by hand delivery. It is important to note that grant disbursements are reimbursements for approved work already completed and paid for by the applicant.

Step 9: Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!

Sit back, relax and relish the finished product! Your business and Downtown Cheyenne are poised to benefit from the improvements you’ve made. Hats off for your investment of time, money and hard work! Congratulations!!

Rev 11/19/14

Façade Improvement Program Review Criteria Worksheet

To be completed by DDA/MS Design Committee

Project/Building Name & Address:________________________________________

Pre-Review Project is in the following Priority Area(s):

1 Point 0 Points

A) Historic Buildings Only - Complete This Section: Yes No

1. Building is a Contributing Structure?

2. Property is significant for Architecture, Prominent Individual and/or Historic Event/Patterns?

B) Overall Criteria: Yes No

1. Improvements prevent further deterioration of the building?

2. Façade fronts upon the Public Right-of-Way and shapes and influences the Public Realm?

3. Project has high visual impact in terms of visible scale, bypass traffic and magnitude of improvements?

C) Potential Community Benefits: Yes No 1. Demonstrates a potential for return on investment for the Façade

Improvement Program (e.g. overmatch, scale of investment)?

2. Offers tax revenue potential (e.g. scale of investment or activating a vacant space?) Total Pre-Review Points:

Area One: Expanded Historic District 3 points Area Two: CBD Zone District 2 points Area Three: DDA/MS District 1 point

Design Review 1 Point 0 Points A) Historic Buildings Only - Complete This Section: Yes No

1. Building retains a preponderance of historic integrity with regards to Design, Workmanship and/or Materials?

2. Proposed project would uphold the property’s Historic Significance and Integrity?

B) Overall Criteria: Yes No

1. Project is feasible with regards to scope and scale?

2. Project will serve as a Model Project and/or is likely to generate additional rehabilitation projects?

3. Project creates lasting improvements in terms of durability and projected lifespan of improvements to be made?

C) Architectural Character & Retail Supportive: Yes No

1. Project demonstrates Context Sensitive: Materials

Colors

Massing & Proportion

Lighting

Signage

2. Project is Pedestrian Friendly in: Design & Detail

Transparency

D) Potential Community Benefits: Yes No

1. Facilitates business & job creation (e.g. adds to number of units, jobs or other)?

2. Supports small business owners and entrepreneurs and/or provides for a new business sector Downtown?

3. Adds additional residential units to Downtown?

Total Design Review Points:

Overall Impact Project’s overall impact on the vitality of Downtown Cheyenne (rank 1-5 with 1 being the least impact and 5 being the highest)

1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points 5 points

Category Score

General Comments: _____________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Completed and signed on _____ (date) of _____________ (month), ________ (year)

By:

________________________________________ Committee Chair

Committee Recommendation & Proposed Funding Level

Proposed Funding: $_________________

Pre-Review Design Review Overall Impact

Grand Total

October 16, 2014 Mayor Rick Kaysen City of Cheyenne 2101 O’Neil Ave Cheyenne, WY 82001 Dear Mayor Kaysen: Recently the Cheyenne Planning Services Department has begun the process of initiating a Façade Improvement Program for downtown Cheyenne. This effort was funded in part through a grant from State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Additionally a member of our staff, along with representatives from Wyoming Main Street and the Cheyenne DDA, was invited to consult on the development of the program. I feel that this program has the potential to be of great benefit to the city of Cheyenne by helping to preserve the historic character of the downtown area. It also has the potential to encourage further private investment in downtown buoy its economic vitality. In the past few years several high-profile projects have revitalized underused historic buildings such as the Dinneen Building and the Grier Building. An initiative such as a Façade Improvement Program can serve as an impetus to build on these successes. Sincerely, Mary Hopkins State Historic Preservation Officer

State Historic Preservation Office 2301 Central Ave., Barrett Bldg. 3rd Floor Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-7697 FAX: 307-777-6421 http://wyoshpo.state.wy.us

Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board 2101 O’Neil Avenue

Cheyenne, WY 82001 www.cheyennecity.org

October 23, 2014 Dr. Mark Rinne City Council President Cheyenne, WY 82001

Via: Hand Delivery Dear Councilman Rinne:

The City of Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board is excited to support and take an active role in the incentive grant program to encourage and assist building owners and businesses to improve the exterior façade of their buildings located in the Downtown Development Authority/Main Street District to maintain historic context and integrity, provide a sense of place, and increase the economic vitality of Downtown Cheyenne.

As you are aware, such an imperative program will add potential benefit to the business development, tax revenue increase, property valuations, jobs, livability, and visual enhancement of our downtown. In concert, this program will help to solidify the partnerships and relationships of groups who remain invested, both financially and emotionally to the redevelopment of our downtown.

As you know, the mission of the Historic Preservation Board is to safeguard the city’s historic structures and features; to foster civic pride in the past; to promote the use of historic districts and landmarks for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the people of the city; and to encourage preservation of historic integrity in land use and development planning (Adopted December 16, 1996). This project is a perfect match to continue our efforts of reaching our goals and fits our charge as a board.

As this particular program matures, we feel that the pride and enthusiasm will be noticeable and will play a part in its future success.

Please let this letter serve as our unanimous continued recommendation for this program.

With much appreciation,

Kelly Buchhammer, Chair Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board