The State Building Commission for the State of Wyoming has authorized the construction division to give away houses in the area of the former Safeway store around 2512 Pioneer Ave. This includes houses in the 2500 block of Thomes Ave and others that face 25th street. The State of Wyoming had previously bought these houses as part of property from Safeway for $2.6 million.
After buying the houses on Thomes Ave and 25th street for expansion plans, the former Safeway store discovered that a small area had contaminated soil and groundwater, most likely from dry cleaning businesses and auto repair shops back in the 1950s. The state plans to clean up the pollution after the houses are removed and could possibly use the 20,000 square feet of the 50-year-old store for office space and parking to alleviate space issues in the Capitol Complex.
The homes have sat abandoned for over a decade and must be moved to a new location. The new owner would have to accept any liability, as the state cannot fix them due to a limited budget. Some homes might date as far back as the 19th century; some were also homes of historic figures. Anyone claiming a home must move it by the end of Summer 2010.
CONTACT INFO
Rich Cathcart
State Construction Manager
307-777-8660
