CASPER, WY — In a Tuesday session, the Casper City Council took decisive action on two items affecting downtown’s ongoing alley revitalization. Council members voted to approve Change Order No. 2 with Falcon Construction, adding $142,275 to the contract and granting a seven‑calendar‑day extension to address an unexpected underground coal chute discovered beneath the alley right‑of‑way.
Underground coal chute forces redesign
Public Services Director Krista Johnston explained in a staff memorandum that the discovery came while crews were excavating near the Cadillac Cowgirl building at 147 S. Center St. City engineers determined the void, which was not reinforced, extended into the alley and could not safely support modern traffic, including municipal sanitation trucks.
To protect the adjacent building’s foundation and ensure public safety, Falcon Construction will backfill and compact the void, construct a reinforced concrete wall with footers, and install lateral support dead‑man anchors. The additional work raises the total project cost from $281,400 to $423,675 and pushes the final completion date to November 6.
Solar lighting agreement approved
In a related vote, councilors approved a perpetual license agreement with Center Street Holdings to install solar‑powered alley lighting on the Cadillac Cowgirl façade. The agreement permits two 12‑watt, 1,000‑lumen solar fixtures to be mounted on the building’s exterior. The city will operate and maintain the lights, adding a modest, energy‑efficient beautification element to downtown Casper.
Both measures reflect the council’s commitment to maintaining safe, functional infrastructure while enhancing the visual appeal of the city’s historic core. By addressing the structural issue promptly and embracing renewable‑energy lighting, Casper demonstrates responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and a forward‑looking approach to urban development.
What this means for residents
Residents can expect a brief delay in the alley’s full reopening, but the reinforced construction will provide a more durable roadway capable of handling heavy municipal vehicles for years to come. The solar lighting will operate at no additional cost to the city, offering brighter, safer alleyways after dark without increasing the utility bill.
Council members emphasized that the additional funding was necessary to avoid future repairs and potential safety hazards. The decision aligns with Casper’s broader goals of preserving historic downtown character while modernizing essential infrastructure.
Next steps
Falcon Construction is slated to begin backfill and reinforcement work within the next week. The city will monitor progress closely and provide updates at upcoming council meetings. The solar lighting fixtures are expected to be installed shortly after the structural work is completed, bringing a sustainable lighting solution to the heart of Casper.
Casper’s downtown alley project remains a key component of the city’s revitalization plan, aiming to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support local businesses that line the historic corridor.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
