A quick drive down Sixth Street in Encampment reveals that the Town of Encampment is in the initial stages of the Construction Phase of the Grand Encampment Opera House Renovation. Windows have been removed and restoration has begun.

The architectural/engineer for the project is Gertsch/Baker and Associates out of Laramie and the construction firm is Classic Contractors from Loveland, Colo.

During the renovation the Opera House committee, architect, engineers and contractors have explored the unseen portions of the Opera House and have made some interesting discoveries.  As suspected the building’s foundation is non-existent. Due to this extreme deterioration more of the original building will have to be removed in order to gain access to create a sturdy block foundation. This unforeseen instance does have its advantages.

The contractor will build a thicker exterior wall, which is capable of enclosing more insulation for heating and cooling purposes. The major historical aspects including the stage and the bell tower will still remain intact.

The renovation is made possible by a grant in the amount of $1,005,158.19 from the Wyoming Business Council Community Facilities Program. Other sources of funding to the project include the Gretchen Swanson Family Foundation, George B. Storer Foundation, Gates Frontiers Foundation, Laura Jane Musser Fund and donations from many local businesses, organizations and private donors. It is truly a community-wide project that will take the Grand Encampment Opera House into the next 100 years.