DDA Could Have a New Home Soon - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

DDA Could Have a New Home Soon

After more than eight years in the depot building Cheyenne's Downtown Development Authority could be on the move.

The need for more space has been a growing problem, but they think they've found their solution.

The boxes and papers continue to pile up.

"The DDA offices are pretty confined right now and with all the new programs and activities we are running out of filing space," said Christie DePoorter, Cheyenne DDA Executive Director.

With every document came the need to find a new home.

"I think it's a real opportunity. I think it's an opportunity for the DDA to really step out and be on the street," DePoorter said.

After looking at plenty of options the Downtown Development Authority has decided to pursue a space in the Majestic Building, 1601 Capitol Avenue, right in the heart of downtown Cheyenne.

"When she approached me and said, "This would be great." I thought to myself, "This would really be great," said Phil Herrick, Owner of the Majestic Building.

Talks began about five months ago to discuss acquiring the space. The DDA board approved a move from the second floor of the Depot to a street level location, unanimously.

"The DDA Board of Directors and staff considered moving out onto the street a big positive because we can have additional visibility and be more accessible," DePoorter said.

On September 25, the DDA will be asking for $65,000 in loan/grant money from the Cheyenne-Laramie County Joint Power Board, about $55,000 of which would be used for renovations to the new location.

Renovations would include class "A" office space, new lighting, paint, fixtures and floors.

"New windows throughout and just making it a nice, almost a showpiece. Almost something where you walk downtown and say, "Oh, look at this," Herrick said.

Herrick said they would be going through local companies for as many of the renovations as possible.

He was a member of the DDA board, but due to this development between the DDA and his property, he felt that was no longer appropriate.

"In order to eliminate any conflict of interest and any possible showing of favoritism I resigned from the board," Herrick said.

If the DDA gets approved for the money, renovations will begin at the end of the month and operations out of the new location could begin by November.