CASPER, WY — In a decisive move for downtown revitalization, the Casper City Council voted Tuesday to terminate the lingering property‑use restrictions that have limited lots 16 through 19 of the Nolan redevelopment project since a 2020 filing.
Council action removes historic constraints
City Attorney Eric Nelson explained that the restrictions originated from a July 2020 filing tied to 2019 redevelopment agreements among the city, The Nolan LLC and Flag Development LLC. Those limits were intended to protect the historic Livery Stable at 363 S. Ash St., a structure that was deemed structurally unsound and demolished in 2020.
With the stable gone and the site remaining vacant, municipal staff concluded that the historic‑preservation component can no longer be fulfilled. The council’s resolution will formally record the termination of the restrictions, clearing the way for the C.H. Bixby hotel to occupy lots 16‑19 once the project receives its certificate of occupancy.
Hotel project details
The upcoming hotel, part of the Hilton Tapestry boutique line, will span lots 16‑22 and feature 118 rooms across five floors. Amenities include a fine‑dining restaurant, conference facilities, and a rooftop balcony on the top floor. Project representatives have estimated an 18‑month construction timeline, targeting a first‑quarter 2028 opening.
“It is a Hilton Tapestry, which is considered their four‑star boutique line,” said Martin Axlund, a representative of Brick & Bond, at an August Downtown Development Authority meeting. “This is important because it fits with the comprehensive plan the city put together, starting in 2007 and with subsequent updates.”
Impact on downtown Casper
Removing the restrictions aligns with the city’s broader comprehensive plan, which seeks to encourage mixed‑use development and stimulate economic growth in the downtown core. Local business leaders have welcomed the decision, noting that the new hotel will bring additional visitors, create jobs, and complement existing retail and dining establishments.
While the council’s vote resolves a long‑standing zoning hurdle, city officials emphasized that the project will still be subject to standard building‑code inspections and occupancy approvals before opening its doors.
Next steps
The council’s resolution will be recorded and the formal termination documents filed with the county recorder’s office. Once the hotel receives its certificate of occupancy, construction can proceed without the previous use‑restriction constraints.
Casper residents can look forward to a new hospitality venue that promises to enhance the downtown experience while supporting the city’s long‑term vision for growth and revitalization.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
