Arts & Aviation Center
A Vision for the Future
We are excited to present a bold new vision to repurpose the historic 1960 Cheyenne Airport Terminal–featuring the classic ‘hyperbolic paraboloid’ roof structure– into an economically viable and self-sustaining hub for arts, culture, and aviation history.
With a restaurant, an art center, retail spaces, and a museum exhibit, the building will become a dynamic destination for locals and visitors alike.
Help us build the Arts and Aviation Center! With your support we get ever closer to making this facility a reality.
Building Amenities
A Restaurant
Serving as an anchor and gathering space, a new restaurant brings back memories of the former ‘Cloud 9’.
Art Center
‘The Cheyenne Creativity Center’ will gain a permanent home for a gallery, workshops, and artist studios.
Aviation Museum
Featuring curated displays celebrating our local aviation history and culture.
Legend Aeroserve Facility
Space dedicated to charter and diversion flight services at the terminal.
Our Plans
Like any building rehabilitation project, this project has many steps to accomplish all aspects needed for building safety and renovations that can last far into the future.
Phase I: Core Infrastructure
Focused on critical needs, such as roof repair, addressing environmental hazards, mechanical systems updates, and creating accessible, functional public spaces.
Phase II: Cultural, Retail, and Museum Spaces
Development of the cultural and mixed use spaces into exhibitions, gallery, retail, and restaurant uses.
Phase III: East Corridor Renovations
Museum and art center expansion, to include expanded retail, display, and educational areas.
mission & Vision
Vision Statement
Our vision for Cheyenne’s historic airport terminal is to create a bustling center that bridges the past with the future. By blending aviation heritage with modern flair, we aim to foster an inclusive destination that uplifts the community socially, culturally, and economically.
We envision a space that celebrates the terminal’s mid-century modern architecture while offering an array of amenities. This revitalized landmark will not only attract visitors but also invigorate the neighborhood, enriching the fabric of Cheyenne’s identity.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to revitalize the 1960 terminal building, celebrating our aviation heritage, arts and culture, and enhancing community value by garnering broad support. We’re committed to sustainable development, aiming to transform the terminal into a thriving hub for transportation, tourism, and business. Through storytelling and building strong partnerships, we will ensure the project’s success and create a lasting legacy for the benefit of future generations.
Arts & Aviation Steering Committee
The Arts & Aviation Steering Committee is composed of individuals representing the following organizations:
- Cheyenne Regional Airport Board
- Arts Cheyenne
- The City of Cheyenne
- Visit Cheyenne
- Cheyenne Historic Preservation Board
- Historic Cheyenne Inc.
- Wyoming Aviation Heritage League
Why This Building?
This terminal represents an important cultural icon for the Cheyenne community. With over 100 years of aviation history unique to Cheyenne, many residents have fond memories of the building.
This structure is a rare example of the unique sweeping “HyPar” roof echoed by the front canopy peaks. It’s not only an incredibly unique building, it is an architecturally significant historical structure that deserves to be maintained and supported well into the future.
Project History
In 2022, the Cheyenne Regional Airport Board Manager and Arts Cheyenne staff began discussing a potential partnership regarding the future of the former historic airport terminal. Those discussions led to some ‘what if’s?’ and Arts Cheyenne applied for a NEA Our Town Grant (see more information below) just to see what might happen…
Well, we got the grant!
The NEA Our Town Grant is a design grant, intended to provide the funds to update several studies, and to understand the feasibility of redeveloping the former Airport Terminal into a potential Arts and Culture center. The partnership between the Cheyenne Regional Airport and Arts Cheyenne is a natural, positive relationship to explore how to save and preserve such a beautiful structure.
One of the key steps in planning was to engage the public and gather opinions on how others felt about the potential reuse of the building. A public Open House was held on September 9th, 2023 and a public survey was advertised to gather as much input as possible.
After gathering the public’s input, a 2-day Charrette was facilitated on November 7th and 8th, 2023 with invited stakeholders from the Airport Board, Cheyenne City Council and staff, and County Representatives and select members of the arts & culture community to refine ideas and give the Design Team a way forward with the project.
