Casper, WY – While crews were reinforcing the foundation of a historic downtown building on Center Street, they uncovered a concealed basement entrance and a series of original window bays that have been hidden for decades. The structure, built in 1916, has long been a fixture of downtown Casper and is currently home to the Cadillac Cowgirl restaurant, which has operated in the space for more than 20 years.
Discovery and immediate response
Calley Kaltenheuser, owner of Cadillac Cowgirl, confirmed that the construction work is part of a foundation reinforcement project and that the newly discovered features will eventually be re‑covered. “The work is necessary to keep the building safe for our customers and the community,” Kaltenheuser said.
Brett Hobza, a member of the Downtown Development Association, the Casper Historic Preservation Commission, and a newly elected Casper City Councilor, explained that the historic architectural details – including the original window frames and a double‑door entry – will be salvaged and incorporated into the restaurant’s décor. Hobza, who is also Kaltenheuser’s uncle, emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s heritage while maintaining modern safety standards.
Historical clues
Evidence found in the basement suggests the space may have once served as a newspaper or periodical distribution center. Local historians also speculate that the area could have functioned as a speakeasy during Prohibition, adding a colorful layer to the building’s past.
Newspaper archives indicate that the building was originally promoted as “one of the finest two‑story brick buildings in the town, modern in every respect and up‑to‑the‑minute in every particular.” Early tenants included the Campbell Hardware Company, which advertised a “radio parlor” and public demonstrations of cutting‑edge appliances in the 1920s. After the hardware company’s sale in 1931, the space saw a succession of occupants, including Bi‑Rite, a post‑World‑II retailer that operated there until the 1970s.
Safety concerns and next steps
Hobza noted that the original method used to seal the entrance – a metal lid covered with asphalt and a utility pole propped up by a beam – would not meet today’s building codes. The current plan calls for sealing the basement windows, constructing a support wall, and filling the opening with dirt before repaving the alleyway. Once completed, the entrance will be permanently concealed, preserving the structural integrity of the building while allowing historic elements to be displayed above ground.
“There was an electrician down there who said, ‘I am not going back down there,’” Hobza recalled, adding that a rocking chair in the corner reportedly began to rock on its own, fueling local folklore about possible hauntings.
Community impact
The discovery underscores the value of downtown revitalization projects that balance modernization with historic preservation. By salvaging original features for use in a beloved local eatery, the city demonstrates a commitment to honoring Casper’s architectural legacy while supporting contemporary businesses.
City officials and preservation advocates encourage residents to stay informed about ongoing public‑works projects, which not only improve safety and infrastructure but also reveal hidden chapters of Casper’s history.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
